Genesis 41:53-42:17; Matthew 13:34-46; Psalms 18:16-24; Proverbs 8:27-32
NT: ““The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.”” (Matthew 13:44-46 CSB)
For the past few years, our family has been watching a show called “The Curse of Oak Island.” It is believed, that buried on that island is a great treasure that could even contain significant religious artifacts of priceless value. It is amazing to see how much time, effort, and money has been spent and is continuing to be spent to hopefully uncover this alleged treasure. If a crew of men is willing to spend that much time, effort, and money uncovering a treasure that may not even be there – how much more willing would they be to do that for a sure thing? That is what Jesus is getting at here. In both of these stories, the people found a sure thing, and gave everything they had to obtain it. He compared the Kingdom of heaven to that sure treasure. Most people don’t see the kingdom of heaven in that way – they see it as a set of rules and regulations… stuffy and outdated do’s and don’ts. What price can you put on true joy… complete peace… unconditional love… eternal and lasting significance? Would you be willing to give all you have to obtain those things? With all the money that is spent on drugs, creature comforts, lavish vacations, etc. – it seems we are willing to give a lot of ourselves for things that aren’t sure and lasting. Would we be willing to give our lives for all that God wants to bless us with? Why or why not?
Psalms: “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; he repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not turned from my God to wickedness. Indeed, I let all his ordinances guide me and have not disregarded his statutes. I was blameless toward him and kept myself from my iniquity. So the Lord repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.” (Psalms 18:20-24 CSB)
David treasured the words of the Lord and the ways of His kingdom, and as much as it was in his power to do, he honored the Lord’s word and ways in his life. What he received in return was treasure indeed. The Lord delivered him from all his enemies, and along the way, he was able to enjoy God’s anointing and presence, and received the assurance from the Lord that his posterity would last forever.
Proverbs: “And now, sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy.” (Proverbs 8:32 CSB)
The word translated here as ‘happy’ means more than just a joyful feeling. The word is actually plural – as in many “happys.” Another way to say it would be, happy, upon happy, upon happy! When we treasure the wisdom of God and live according to His ways, we are able to abide in the fullness of blessed happiness.
Jamie Hicks 