The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
The parables from last Sunday’s Gospel talk about how splendid the Kingdom of God is. It is so great that you would sell everything you own just to have it.
Just to put it in perspective, think about your most prized possession. Now, imagine something that is waaaaay more valuable than that – a treasure like nothing you have ever owned. Acquiring such a treasure is...simply...WOW! My toes are tingling with excitement just imagining the joy of finding God’s Kingdom.
But then again, what if having it is not as simple as replacing an old cell phone with a newer model? Or getting a new car to replace your old jalopy? What if it meant total surrender? What if your most prized possessions are your kids? Without being overly dramatic, I would admit that my two boys are my treasure. I would go crazy if I had to choose one over the other. What more if I had to surrender both of them? I would surely die. If finding God’s Kingdom meant leaving my children, I no longer feel so enthusiastic about it. Just being honest.
If Jesus comes to you today and says, “Come, follow me!” Would you be able to obey Him?
Hmmm. It would probably be easy for me to leave all my possessions. But, wait, Lord, can I at least say goodbye to my kids? Can I find someone to take care of them first?
What a tough call! I am so uncertain about this, and so I pray:
Just to put it in perspective, think about your most prized possession. Now, imagine something that is waaaaay more valuable than that – a treasure like nothing you have ever owned. Acquiring such a treasure is...simply...WOW! My toes are tingling with excitement just imagining the joy of finding God’s Kingdom.
But then again, what if having it is not as simple as replacing an old cell phone with a newer model? Or getting a new car to replace your old jalopy? What if it meant total surrender? What if your most prized possessions are your kids? Without being overly dramatic, I would admit that my two boys are my treasure. I would go crazy if I had to choose one over the other. What more if I had to surrender both of them? I would surely die. If finding God’s Kingdom meant leaving my children, I no longer feel so enthusiastic about it. Just being honest.
If Jesus comes to you today and says, “Come, follow me!” Would you be able to obey Him?
Hmmm. It would probably be easy for me to leave all my possessions. But, wait, Lord, can I at least say goodbye to my kids? Can I find someone to take care of them first?
What a tough call! I am so uncertain about this, and so I pray:
Dear Lord, please help me understand this. I recognize Your goodness in every aspect of my life. I know that You know my needs and will provide for me at all times. Help me to be content in You, Lord. Help me to let go of material things that keep me away from You.
Help me train my children in the way they should go, that even when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Hold my hand, Lord as I put my children’s hands in Yours. I know that You love them and will take care of them. I know you will not let anything snatch them from Your hands (John 10:28).
Lord, I entrust everything to You. Comfort me in the joy of seeing Your Kingdom that I may be able to follow you when you call. Amen.
read Eyes on the Prize - A Second Look
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