November 23, 2024
Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13;44).
Jesus is jolting us to attention about the kingdom. Stop chasing after the wind. Stop considering everything under the sun. Consider the One who owns it all. His kingdom is like a buried treasure.
To those unaware of the treasure, a man who sells all he owns to buy a field looks foolish. But to the man who sees the treasure, who understands its worth, it is a very wise investment. It is a no-brainer.
Our God offers another related story of four leprous men who lived in a time of famine during a siege by the Syrians. Then the Lord drove the Syrian army from its camp (see 2 Kings 7:3-9).
Those guys won the lottery. They found the hidden treasure. They found the valuable pearl. Not only were the enemy soldiers gone, but their possessions and food were left behind. You can picture how much joy these four men had upon their discovery. Initially they decided to keep it for themselves; however, they soon realized the bigger picture. Compassion emerged along with the dawning realization that a terrible judgment would come upon them if they failed to love their neighbor.
They began to think of everybody who was dying in famine and hopelessness. “They said to one another, ‘We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. No, therefore, come let us go and tell the king’s household’” (2 Kings 7:9).
This is our story. We have found the priceless gift of everlasting life—a life of abundance and a home in heaven—something of far more value than the four lepers found. God, our hero and King, will be there. Jesus taught us to pray, “our Father in heaven” (Matthew6:9). Heaven is a real place. Jesus tells us that he has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3. Can you imagine how amazing heaven will be?
We did nothing to earn heaven. Finding it means eternal life. We must share this great news with everyone. How can we not? How wonderful is it that World English Institute gives us an opportunity to share the good news with compassion and store up for ourselves treasures in heaven!
