A Treasure of such Value

Matthew 13:44-45

Do you like stories, I do and yet I’m not that good at story telling, but my friend Dennis is a storyteller and often he will begin by stating; “this is the truth, it is a true story.”  Now, we always wonder why Dennis begins in such a way, it may be that many of his stories are fabricated or that he just wants to make sure we understand this one is not for entertainment.  Jesus never began with this is a true story, but often Jesus would tell a story in order to make a point, that is the case in the verses above.

In verses 44 and 45 many would refer to this as an analogy, a comparison between hidden treasure and the kingdom of heaven.  The following are Jesus’ words: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”  

At age 27, I was married, had a career, and was very fearful of things going wrong in both my marriage and career, but then I began a relationship with Jesus Christ, and my life took on new meaning.  Paul in his letter to the Ephesian church had this to say about what took place in my life: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)  O.S. Hawkins in the book “The Joshua Code” on page 147, wrote; “Note the first two words of Ephesians 1:7:”in Him.”  What Christ has to offer is not about religion or ritual.  It is about a relationship, a vibrant, personal relationship with Him.”  I will not quote more but give in my words the take away from Hawkins, that we have redemption, and that it is instant, not future.  And it all is made possible “through the blood of Jesus Christ” it comes without cost or condition.  God’s plan for my life and yours is, “the forgiveness of sin” and that night in Victoria, Texas, in a hotel room, I agreed with God that I was a sinner; the Bible refers to that as confession.  Once I was in agreement with God on my need and His resources, He removed my transgressions.  Because our God wishes that none would parish and that all would bow to His Son, He offers His grace, this verse states; “according to the riches of His grace.”  One last quote from Hawkins on page 150, “Christ does not say out of His riches, but according to His riches.  Let me explain.  If I were to give you a dollar, I would be giving you out of my riches.  But if I were to hand you a blank check with my signature affixed for you to use, as you will, I would be giving to you according to my riches.  God offers us His grace according to His rich supply.”

Have you found in Christ a treasure of such value that you are willing to be in total submission to His will for your life?  Do you believe Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Dr. J.K. Minton in a sermon, ask this question: “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?”  Lord, I am willing to sign the blank check of my life over to You, to be led by the Spirit of God, for what else can we do?  For in Jesus, I found the kingdom of Heaven.

In a letter to the Hebrews, Paul ask this question; “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice