January 30, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:44-46
OBSERVATIONS
Jesus describes the new order He is establishing – a world of selfless love, seeking God and God’s kind of world first, living with integrity and generosity, loving even our enemies… how valuable is this kind of life to you, to me? would I be willing to give up everything for this kind of life?
In both parables, the person stumbles upon a great treasure, and must make huge changes (sold everything) to incorporate that treasure in their lives.
The kingdom mission that Jesus initiates is that great treasure, but I’d it worth my giving up my own life, agenda, possessions for?
Elsewhere Jesus says that if we seek God’s kingdom agenda first, God will take care of everything else… do we believe this?
The people who would value this kind of treasure are those who struggle in this life; this is why Jesus says that it is so hard for rich people to enter this kingdom life, it costs them too much in this life.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
I am really starting to feel the punch of Jesus’ message, I sense the Lord challenging me to change my whole life-focus.
But am I willing to make the changes, am I prepared to experience the sacrifice, the loss of personal time and space and focus for the same of others?
There is no doubt in my mind that a life of loving and serving God and people is the absolute best and only meaningful way of life… and yet I can sense resistance in me.
Not total resistance, I don’t mind adding a few good words and deeds to my life, it’s just that I don’t want to make that my primary way of life.
How much sacrifice, how much effort, how much self-investment am I willing to commit to seeking to live this life in/with Christ, am I willing to sell everything to get it?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are pushing me beyond my comfort zone, and though it is good, it is not pleasant. I hear You loud and clear: are You worth it to me?
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations:
The treasure is hidden in the field and yet the man finds it and gives it his all. All his wealth, all of his life for the treasure. Wow!
The same is true for the merchant, searching and then finding the one pearl. Once again, all for that pearl. Obsessed.
SonSeekers they are. Searching and finding the real Treasure. Christ. Searching the Word and hiding that Word in their hearts for out of the heart are the issues of Life. As the World also states – there is enough evidence to see God if we but open our eyes – but we must seek in order to find. And when found, all else will not matter.
Application:
All for Jesus? Easier said than done. All too often I still want it my way. As a SonSeeker, putting God first also this day, I need to pray ‘Your will be done.’ God need to be my Pilot and I need to learn to live my life in service – closer to Him. Let go . . . of the things of this world and let God . . take control. That’s only a possibility if I am SpiritDriven.
Prayer:
Walk with me Lord also this day, leading and guiding me in all I do and say. That’s comfort on my journey of living for Jesus – my ‘pilgrim’s progress.
All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
Refrain
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours;
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
Refrain
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Refrain
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.
Refrain
Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me His belovèd,
Lets me rest beneath His wings.