THE TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM ARE FOR ALL BELIEVERS
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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 rules in our hearts. He is the sovereign Lord of our lives. Jesus brought the kingdom of heaven to earth when He entered His creation. The kingdom now reigns 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 who blesses us with His righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17). The treasures of the kingdom of heaven are of the highest value to those who recognize their great worth. Our Lord paid His all so that we might gain His treasures.
Jesus shared two parables that speak of the inestimable value of the kingdom…
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. – 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 like this hidden treasure. Some happen upon it quite unexpectedly. Yet when they recognize the treasures found in Christ, they are filled with joy. Their old life is surrendered for the new. They give up all they have for the kingdom.
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 13:45-46
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 like this 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 abandon 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
Have you discovered the treasures of Christ? Have you answered His call into His heavenly kingdom? Have you given up all for Him?
God draws us to Himself. He calls us into His heavenly kingdom. Perhaps we stumble upon Christ, not really searching 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 uncover 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 reconciles us to the Father, breaking down any barriers that exist. We now stand before the Father justified and free in Christ.
God the Father has saved us and called us with a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9). He invites us into the inheritance of His heavenly kingdom that lives and reigns within believers through the lordship of Christ.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to receive all the treasures of the kingdom. He has become our everything. He fills us with His Spirit, showering us with His love, His peace and His hope. He grants us forgiveness of our sins… past, present and future. Through Him, we gain life everlasting.
† Eternal Takeaway – The kingdom reigns in the hearts of believers through the Spirit of Christ †
