What's it Worth?... Everything!
Antiques Roadshow is a tv program where experts travel the country in search of hidden treasures. The appeal of the show is seeing the surprised and joyous reactions of people when they ask the expert, "what is it worth?" , and they find out that what has been right in their midst and accessible to them all along, has great value! Jesus told a series of parables about the kingdom of heaven, and In Matt. 13:44-52, He taught us that we too have a treasure hidden within our midst…it's the kingdom of heaven! I pray that you would realize the valuable treasure of kingdom living that God offers, and joyously claim it as yours. Amen.
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 bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matt. 13:44-45) This parable begins with the words “The kingdom of heaven is like…”. But instead of describing what the kingdom is like, Jesus provides an understanding of what the kingdom is worth. And we learn from these parables that the kingdom is soooo valuable that we must be willing to give up everything else in exchange for it! Jesus similarly taught about heavenly treasure in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven…”. I value God and His kingdom above anything this world has to offer!
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 13:46-50) This parable hearkens back to Jesus’ parable of the weeds, warning of the perils of not being a disciple of Jesus. There will come a judgment day, and those who have refused to act on Jesus offer of salvation will face the consequences. Jesus said that they will be separated out and thrown into a blazing fire. In that day, you don’t want to be among those who are weeping and gnashing their teeth!
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matt. 13:51-52) Jesus questioned whether the disciples understood the parables. Although the disciples answered affirmatively, the reality is that based on the biblical evidence of their history, they often understood very little initially. And if truth be told, we only understand God and His kingdom more as they are revealed over time. The Bible repeatedly informs us that God’s ways are mysterious, and It is only through our daily walk with the Holy Spirit that God begins to reveal Himself to us. It is in this process (called sanctification) that our faith grows and we learn to value His kingdom above everything else in this world. You can only truly understand the value of the kingdom as you walk daily with the Holy Spirit!
Through Jesus’ teachings in these “kingdom parables”, we really begin to understand what He means by the “kingdom of heaven” (or in other gospels, also called “kingdom of God”). We see who it is that will and will not be allowed into the kingdom. Additionally, we see the fate of those who reject citizenship in the kingdom. And so importantly, we learn the immeasurable value that we should place on being a kingdom citizen. It is a great treasure that we should seek above all else. And although it is available to everyone, only those who recognize its value will pursue a life in God’s kingdom. Jesus often said that the kingdom of heaven is near. But do you realize it? And have you claimed citizenship in it? Your proof of citizenship is evidenced by your living like someone who has found the kingdom and treasures it. How much is the kingdom of heaven worth? It is literally the difference between eternal life and eternal suffering. That should make it worth more to you than everything else!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
