Matthew 13 opens with the Parable of the Sower. Jesus describes 4 kinds of soil. In this time of self-reflection ask yourself what kind of soil are you? It's not unusual to have been different soils at different times in your life. Where are you now? Is the soil of your heart good soil, or is your heart hard? There is a gem of the treasure principle hidden in Matthew 13. He begins by describing a seed that falls among thorns. Here is his explanation; Matthew 13:22 "As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing." The lure of wealth has deadly potential. Later in chapter 16 Jesus says these words;
Matthew 16: "25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?"
Jesus goes back to the treasure principle.
Matthew 13:44-46 The parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl.
Jesus tells another parable of the treasure hidden and the pearl of great value. In both cases true riches were discovered. The people who stumbled across these riches, recognized their value and put everything they had in laying claim to this true wealth. Jesus is warning us of the possibility of missing out on the greatest treasure. They understood the kingdom of God and its eternal worth. He tells us of its value and commands us to sell all to obtain it. What are you holding back?
You may remember Jesus teaching earlier in Matthew 6 on the treasure principle.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." He goes on to say we cannot serve two masters. We must chose either God or money.
The kingdom of God is where the true riches lie. Here is the challenge; store up your treasure in heaven, investment all that you are into the kingdom of God.
Are you fully invested in the kingdom of God?
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