What is it that you treasure? What is it that is of greatest value to you? For some of us, what we treasure most is a physical possession (eg video game system, iPod, car, etc). For others, what we treasure most is a relationship (eg, popularity, boyfriend, girlfriend). For some, what we treasure most is an activity or accomplishment (eg, football player, band member, etc). Our culture often dictates what we treasure. If we don’t value the things that our culture values we are made to feel strange, different, or weird. This unwanted pressure makes us quick to treasure and value what our culture treasures and values.
And yet, we cannot blame our culture, we treasure or value whatever is most important in our own selfish and sinful hearts. Imagine a throne in our hearts and whatever or whoever sits on that throne rules and reigns in our life. Whatever or whoever that is gets the most and the best of our time, money, and attention. Whether we realize it or not, we choose what or who sits on the throne in our heart. Because it is extremely important what or who sits on the throne of our heart we must ask, “What does God consider treasure or valuable?”
READ: Matthew 13:44-46
In this parable, Jesus reveals to us something that is truly worthy of being the highest treasure and of greatest value in our lives. The KINGDOM of GOD is to be the greatest treasure in our lives! What is the Kingdom? When Jesus began His ministry He immediately started talking about a Kingdom. In Matthew 4:17 Jesus said, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The Kingdom Jesus is referring to is God’s RULE and REIGN in our lives. He was talking about Himself sitting on the throne of our hearts, because we have placed Him there, and executing His perfect will.
It was this Kingdom that Jesus was referring to when He taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 5:10 that His, “(Father’s) Kingdom come, and (His) will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus wants us to be a part of His Kingdom culture. A culture where God’s rule and reign is the highest treasure and the greatest value in EVERY aspect of our daily lives. How valuable is God’s Kingdom? What is it worth?
God’s Kingdom is worth EVERYTHING that we possess (Mt. 13:44, 46) – As a teenager my first big purchase was a $300 stereo system. I was willing to part with a large amount of my hard earned money because I valued music. It was a tough decision, but I remember thinking it was worth it! In trying explain to those who were listening to Him about how valuable the Kingdom is, Jesus said it was worth selling, “ALL that (they) had”. Not some, not most, ALL, EVERYTHING! According to Jesus (the creator of all that there is to enjoy), there is nothing in this life valuable enough that is worth holding onto if it means losing out on possessing the Kingdom. We can confidently, and without hesitation, invest everything in the Kingdom of God because it is worth it.
God’s Kingdom is our source of inexpressible JOY (Mt. 13:44) – What would it mean to hit the “jackpot of joy” in your life? Being the MVP of the World Series or the Super Bowl? Being in a relationship with the perfect guy or the perfect girl? Many of the ways that we might answer that question, what we are really talking about, is happiness and not joy. Happiness is temporary and joy is eternal. When God’s Kingdom is our treasure and of greatest value in our lives we experience an unexplainable, unfading, eternal joy that cannot be taken away. The only way to experience true lasting joy is if God’s Kingdom is our treasure and of greatest value to us.
CONCLUSION
Missionary Jim Elliott said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” There is nothing in this life that is worth holding onto if it means missing out on being a part of God’s Kingdom. According to Jesus Christ, giving up anything and everything this world has to offer in order to possess God’s Kingdom is the richest and most valuable way you can invest your life! Have you discovered the treasure of God’s Kingdom in your life? Is God’s Kingdom the most valuable thing that you possess?
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