Treasuring the Kingdom of God

Treasuring the Kingdom of God

Many people think of the “Kingdom of Heaven” in abstract terms. They may picture it as a boring place, one that would be irrelevant to us if hell were not the alternative. Some people imagine heaven as a place where people float around on clouds playing harps for eternity. Personally, I can see where that image would seem boring or irrelevant. I would much rather spend eternity with an electric guitar instead of a harp, but I could imagine that would even get boring after a while.

Most people care about the things that directly affect their lives, not abstract concepts. If something does not affect us, we tend not to think about it. Heaven does not grab our attention as long as it seems irrelevant to our corner of reality. This is one reason why Jesus frequently taught in parables. The Kingdom of God is something we should care about. It involves our eternal destiny, and is therefore more important than our jobs, our hobbies, or the newest movie or TV series. Since the Kingdom of God seems so abstract, though, Jesus describes it to us in concrete terms. He relates unseen eternal realities to everyday objects and events to which we can relate.

Unfortunately, some of His parables have become so familiar that we miss the bold truths they depict. Jesus’ parables sound so American, like baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. If we listen carefully, we realize they are not American. They are not even Jewish, reflecting the culture of Christ. They are otherworldly. Christ’s parables call us to cast aside the values of this world to pursue the treasures of another world.

In verse 44 above, Jesus said “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

How would that read if you were the man in that story? How would you respond upon finding the treasure hidden in a field?

Many people see the treasure and think it is a pile of junk. They decide to leave it behind. Such people find no time for God, church, prayer, or the Bible. They refuse to see any of God’s blessings as a priceless treasure.

Other people find the treasure of the kingdom, shove as much as they can carry into their pockets, and run away. They want just enough Jesus to make them feel comfortable. If they were baptized, show up at church on Christmas and Easter, and stay out of jail, they are satisfied. Such people might even pray if a crisis comes up. However, they do not want any more of God's kingdom than that.

Still others take that entire treasure home. Maybe it is an entire chest full of jewels and gems. In terms of spiritual treasure, they have heard about forgiveness of sins which will alleviate their sense of guilt. Perhaps they discover release from addictions that bind them. Some hear the good news of eternal life in Christ. They take that one piece of treasure, and that is all. “Thank you, God, for forgiveness. I will show up at church regularly and read my Bible. Sunday morning is yours, and I will surrender the following areas of my life to you….” However, they also set aside a list of areas in their lives that they keep to themselves. “Lord, I am giving you control of these areas of my life. Just stay out of those areas over there. I will take care of them myself.”

However, the man in the parable did none of these things. He sold all he had and bought the field. He realized how valuable that treasure was. He knew a good investment when he saw one. He realized his current possessions were worth much less than the treasure was. Perhaps he thought, “Hey, if this treasure is here, maybe there is another one hidden in another part of the field! I want everything that is in that field!”

Is that your attitude toward the treasures of heaven? Do you want just a few treats, or do you want God to do “immeasurably more than all [you] ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20)? Will you give Him part of your life—perhaps an hour on Sunday and maybe even a few minutes throughout the week—or will you surrender everything within you to Him, so that He can give you the field full of eternal treasure? You can receive that blessing by committing yourself this day to Him: by acknowledging your need for a Savior and need for forgiveness; confessing those areas of your life that you have held back from him; and by faith committing your life to God’s care and asking Him to guide you with His Holy Spirit. All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:13), and they will obtain a spiritual treasure far beyond anything they ever imagined.