The violin was in the trash. Some guy down in Texas spotted it, fished it out and took it home. Years later, he decided to get it checked out at “Antique Road Show,” to see what he had. The instrument was in pretty rough shape, but turned out to be a 1922 Pedrazinni. If that name doesn’t get your attention, try this: $50,000.
You may think that kind of thing would never happen to you. But it could; you could find something better. Pay close attention to these hints from Jesus:
” “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.” (Matthew 13:44-46)
In both short parables, the “treasure” is the Kingdom of Heaven. It is hidden, at least to those who are not looking. Perhaps they are too busy. Maybe they are rushing off to close a business deal. Maybe they are too worried about something. But in both stories, when someone looked for the treasure, it was right there to be found. Jesus was telling people, “Pay attention; if you are really looking you will find it.”
In both parables, the value of the treasure was so great that it made sense to cash in everything else to gain it. Again, Jesus was saying something. If you find the Kingdom of Heaven, everything else in your life will pale in comparison to the value of what you have found. That may seem far fetched to you. There was a time when it made no sense to me, either. But when I found this “treasure,” I realized Jesus wasn’t joking or exaggerating. When you discover the Kingdom of Heaven, there is no cost that will seem too great.
How can you have this “treasure?” First you have to “find it.” When you come to realize that Jesus really is Who He said He is – that He is God – you will have found it (See: No Small Detail). Why is the Kingdom so valuable? Here are some of the reasons: It comes to you with complete forgiveness, wiping away everything that would put any awkwardness between you and Almighty God forever. It comes with full reconciliation with God. It comes with eternal life. It comes with God’s Spirit living inside your soul, guiding you, empowering you and transforming you. There’s a whole lot more, but those things are harder to describe. You have to be there…
So, what is the cost? What does it take to “purchase” this treasure? It costs everything, just like in the parables. You let go of everything else and say “Yes” to Jesus. That might sound too expensive until you recognize that all that other stuff has not satisfied you, and is temporary. The Kingdom is forever.
Happy hunting!
FRESH BREAD OF LIFE 