Joy and Sorrow: Field of Hidden Treasures
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matthew 13:44
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:21-22
Joy and sorrow. The difference can be the distance between heaven and earth – and earth and hell. Such is the case with two men in the Bible. And such may be the case with you if you do not realize the value of the field of hidden TREASURE that lies before you. One man JOYFULLY sold all he had to purchase a field with hidden treasure. Another man SORROWFULLY refused to sell all he had and give to the poor so he could have TREASURE in heaven. Which one of these are you?
What is Jesus talking about when He describes these men? The Kingdom of heaven. Having a relationship with God forever – beginning now. Spending eternity loving and worshiping God – starting now. Loving and serving the King of the Kingdom, the Lord – each and every moment, yes now and forever. Enjoying His love, His presence, and His spiritual blessings like hope, peace, and joy – forevermore.
Can you and I really have this, given God is holy and we are sinners? Can we really become citizens of heaven just passing through this world as pilgrims being prepared for forever with God in heaven and helping others to obtain citizenship in God’s eternal Kingdom? Yes! How? By repenting of our sins, believing in Christ as King and Lord, and living according to Kingdom principles (God’s ways) instead of the world’s ways. There is NO GREATER JOY than living with and for the Lord forever! The “hidden” TREASURE of knowing the Lord, of being in fellowship with Him, and of studying and living by His Word are ENDLESS.
What does the man who JOYFULLY sold all to buy the field represent? Being willing to let go of anything of this world that stands in the way of our living for the Lord. Not only must we be willing to let go of any possessions that stand between us and God, but we must let go of our very lifestyles when the way we are living runs contrary to the will of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God almighty! The JOY of “selling all” and following the Lord forever is indescribable. The SORROW of holding onto our “possessions” – both material and worldly lifestyles – has a final destination of eternal hell. Sell all, friend. Repent and live in the fullness of the everlasting JOY of being in fellowship with God forever!