November 21: HIDDEN TREASURE

“. . . the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

The words of Jesus are often multidimensional. In the Bible, we find great treasures of infinite wealth given freely—all to lead us safely and completely into His eternal kingdom. We are to hide the treasures of His word in our hearts. When we do this, we are encouraged, corrected, instructed, and strengthened to live for Him instead of our own self-centered tendencies. We are enabled to recognize our sinful attitudes and habits. The practice of confessing and forsaking them—all for love of the Savior—opens the way to replace them with attitudes and habits pleasing to the Lord. Beloved, the narrow road to eternal life leads to treasures infinitely more valuable than anything we are asked to give up.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:11(KJV)

The incalculable value of God’s Word was well recognized by the Reformers, many of whom lost their lives because they labored to share Bible truth with the multitudes of spiritually starving people. This aspect of history will be soon repeated. The entire world will be tested with a confrontation between the commandment of God and a conflicting law of man.

Another perspective of our opening verse is that of Jesus Himself. He sees the full potential of every wayward human soul, and lives to impart citizenship into His everlasting Kingdom to each of us personally. The field is the world (Matthew 13:38), and though it is currently in a wretched state, our Savior considers people as His great treasure. Though it would cost Him everything, He explained, somewhat cryptically, to His listeners that He was going to buy that field.

For the joy that was set before Him endured the cross . . . Hebrews 12:2

Yes, our fallen, filthy world is in a terrible state. But the God who Sees (Genesis 16:13) considers it an infinitely valuable “pearl”, and He paid the highest possible price to gain it for Himself. Those who freely choose to love Him become a part of His inheritance. Yes, He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) stands to gain an inheritance: the people who love Him.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found a pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46

For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance. Psalm 94:14