Devotion 7.25.26

Matthew 13

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “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.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

What is one thing in your possession that is the most valuable thing you have? I'm not talking about an item like a note from your dad or mom or a letter from a grandparent that holds special meaning. I'm talking about an item you'd insure from Lloyds of London because of its value.

What about that item interested you in acquiring it? Was it something of interest to you? Historical in nature. If it's a letter from George Washington to Alexander Hamilton detailing a cabinet appointment for example, or an artifact of some note belonging to, say, Abraham Lincoln used during his presidency, you need not explain any further. It could be a Babe Ruth baseball autographed after an accomplishment. Elvis was in the house and it's his car he gave Dad because he let him stay overnight, say no more.

Did you gain it by inheritance? Buy it yourself intentionally at a cost? Or is it one of those "found it in the corner of a garage sale and got it for a dollar" and then I learned it was worth $1.5 million "Antique Roadshow" kind of thing.

If it is inherited or accidental, put it aside. This has to be I saw it and risked everything I had to gain it. It came with a distinct cost.

So to our parable then.

We have a man who has a considerable amount, so much so that when he saw something of great value - a treasure and a pearl - he sold it all to acquire it. Set aside all logic on this, or at least earthly logic. The buyer in each of these is Christ, and you are that treasure or pearl. What did Christ give to acquire you? Everything he had. Christ was not noted for earthly wealth, so when it says he gave everything, he sacrificed the confines of heaven and being with the Father to come to earth and give up his life for you and me.

The parables are brief, but the point is clear. To gain us back into the kingdom from a life of sin and alienation from God, he gave us his Son as the sacrificial lamb to take on that sin and recover us, the lost treasure/pearl, to make us his own.

Pray with me: Gracious God, Heavenly Father, We give thanks to you for the gift of eternal life you have given us. We know we were bought with a price, and for that, we give thanks. Great is your faithfulness, O Lord. Amen.