Better Than Silver and Gold!

Better Than Silver and Gold – My Daily Bread!

Our call to treasure God is taken from Matthew 13: 44, NIV, which tells us:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.  When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and brought that field”.  

Jesus gave this parable to His followers to emphasize what it truly meant to desire the treasure of salvation and the Kingdom of God.  Although they did not know it at the time, Jesus knew they would have to change their way of thinking to enter into His new Kingdom.  They possessed a mindset that primarily was steeped in tradition, based upon covenantal entitlement through the relationship that Abraham had with the Almighty God.   The new Kingdom that Jesus ushered in with His presence on earth was about to break apart everything they had hoped for – namely an earthy kingdom that would establish the Jewish monarchy through the line of David.

They did not get that the intricate details of the law with its system of sacrifices was fulfilled in Jesus and His soon to be sacrifice on the cross.  Some wanted to hold on to the old way of  doing things and hold on to Jesus as well.  So imagine their surprise when Jesus began to say things that did not line up with what they desired.     Why was Jesus talking about the Kingdom in terms of a hidden treasure in a field?  For after all they could see the Kingdom, was it not established in Jerusalem, the land that they had been given based on the promise?   And furthermore did they not already own it through their birthright? Jesus just needed to use His power to oust the Romans and restore what once was.

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so what was His message?   For starters He was telling them that the Kingdom, which pictured salvation, is oftentimes hidden from most people.  Secondly, that when it is revealed to those who believe, it is more precious than anything else and they willingly forsake all things to possess it.  Jesus was letting them know that some things had to be given up to possess the true treasure of God, to enter into His intimacy.   In this extraordinary parable do not miss the point that the man who found the treasure went and brought not only the treasure itself but the entire field!  So too must be accept Christ Jesus and all that comes with Him, the good and the bad.  But here is the good part we must remember –  the “bad” is also for our good for are we not told “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8: 28, NIV)

Saints, praise be the Lord of Host, Jesus’ message still rings true for us today.  He further solidified these themes in various other messages and teachings while with His disciples before His death.  Regarding few attaining to the salvation of God, His words at Matthew 7: 13-14, NIV, tell us:  “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it”.

And regarding what has to be given up for His sake, He also said:  “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple”.  (Luke 14: 32, NIV)  The Apostle Paul understood this when he said:  “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet, Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellent knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I might gain Christ and be found in Him… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection”.   (Philippians 3:8, NIV)

Have you found God’s treasure of Salvation in the Father’s Son Christ Jesus?  Is He more precious to you than anything?  More precious even than silver and gold?  Will you forsake all to keep Him dear to your heart?  Saints these are all questions that each one of us will have to answer; and when it is all said and done how we live our lives will in essence answer for us.   What will your life say about your true treasure, your love for Christ Jesus, His Kingdom and the things of God?

 Copyright© 2011-2012 Colleen Holton All Rights Reserved.