THE TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN ARE FOR ALL BELIEVERS
__________________________________________________
“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14 –
The Lord of all has given us the kingdom. He reigns in our hearts. He is the sovereign Lord of our lives. Jesus brought the kingdom of heaven to earth when He entered His creation. At Pentecost, the kingdom came to reign in the hearts of believers through the Spirit of Christ.
We enter into the kingdom at salvation. Christ sets up His lordship within our lives. He is the ruler of the kingdom who blesses us with His righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17). Our Lord paid His all so that we might gain the treasures of His kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is of the highest value to those who recognize its great worth.
Jesus shared two parables that speak of the inestimable value of the kingdom…
“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.” – Matthew 13:44
In biblical times, Jews faced political instability, wars and enemy invasions. For safekeeping, costly valuables were often hidden or buried by landowners. Over the course of time, such treasures were sometimes lost, abandoned or forgotten.
In this parable, Jesus tells of a man who stumbles upon a valuable treasure quite by chance. The man realizes its priceless value and rejoices. Selling all, he purchases the field with its hidden treasure.
The kingdom of heaven is the hidden treasure. Some happen upon this treasure quite unexpectedly. Yet when they recognize the gifts found in Christ, they are filled with joy. Their old life is sacrificed for the new. They give up all they have for the kingdom.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.” – Matthew 13:45-46
Here, Jesus tells of a merchant seeking pearls. Pearls in biblical times were as highly valued as diamonds are today. This trader is an expert at recognizing the finest of pearls. His search leads him to the very best… the perfect treasure. Upon discovering it, he sells all his riches to purchase this exceptional pearl.
The kingdom of heaven is the pearl. Some spend years seeking the truth, wandering down many different spiritual paths. Yet when their search leads them to the treasures of Christ, they sacrifice all for Him. They recognize the invaluable worth of the kingdom.
“I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.“ – Philippians 3:8
God draws us to Himself. He calls us into His heavenly kingdom. Perhaps we stumble upon Christ, not really looking for Him. We learn the truth and our eyes and hearts are opened. Or we may actively seek the truth, not knowing what or where it is until we discover it.
What joy we experience when we discover the treasures we have in Jesus! Our search is over when we at last find Him. He is worth giving up all. His kingdom is a precious and priceless discovery.
We receive the kingdom at the cost of everything for us. Yet it is a joyful trade-off… for everything we have ever longed for is in Christ. He gives us His righteousness in exchange for our sins. He breaks down the barrier between us and the Father. We now stand before the Father justified and free in Christ.
God the Father calls us into the inheritance of His heavenly kingdom. The kingdom lives and reigns within believers in the lordship of Christ. He has saved us and called us with a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9).
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to receive all the blessings of the kingdom. He fills us with His Spirit, showering us with His love, His peace and His hope. He becomes our everything. In Christ, we have forgiveness… past, present and future. In Him, we have life… both now and forever.
Have you discovered the treasures of Christ? Have you answered His call into the heavenly kingdom? Have you given up all for Him?
