Treasure

‘The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in the ground. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that piece of land.’ (verse 44)

Read Matthew 13:44-52

How precious to me is the kingdom of heaven?

In the past there have been people who were prepared to give up everything they had in order to cling to their beliefs and teach them to their children. Today there are the martyrs who risk their lives daily to read, live and spread the good news of Jesus.

But what is my response? Too often I neglect the daily reading of God’s word. Too often I take for granted my own five copies of the Bible and our children’s many Bible storybooks. I fail to thank God for my Christian ancestors who taught their children, generation after generation, how to live as Jesus taught. Too often I treat what God wants me to do as a drag, not a delight. Too often

I fail to appreciate God’s word as a treasure more valuable than anything else.

Being part of God’s kingdom is the great treasure God has given you. Appreciate and hold on to this treasure.

Father, help me to value you and your kingdom above everything else. Amen.

by Julie Hahn, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)

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