Thursday, November 20, 2014

November 21, 2014

"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
These are two of seven parables Jesus told about the Kingdom of God in Matthew 13:44-46.
The Kingdom exists where ever people submit to the authority and sovereignty of God.
In these three verses He makes the point that to buy into His Kingdom you have to sell out of yours.
You can't live in His Kingdom and in yours at the same time. You can only have one king and it shouldn't be you. 
By nature, you have a rebellious selfish will that strives against God's will and seeks to build it's own kingdom. That is the essence of sin arising from the fallen nature you were born with.
These two parables make it clear that God has called you out of your sinful rebellion and into His Kingdom. 
There are two ways these parables are interpreted.
Some claim the man or the merchant is you and the treasure or the pearl represents the Kingdom of God. In the parable, when the treasure/pearl was found they brought such joy that the man counted it a joy to sell every thing he owned in order to own the treasure/pearl.
Others, including me, believe the man/merchant in these parables is God Who counts you such a great treasure He was willing to give up His Son to purchase you from your sinfulness! And, He did it with great joy!
Think about that!
You are so treasured by God that He joyfully offered His Son to purchase your salvation and redeem you from the kingdom of darkness into His Kingdom of light!
Will you let His Kingdom come?