The Treasure

And you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

What does it mean to search for God with all your heart? To regard Him as the highest treasure.

To love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind. In the parable of Matthew 13:44 a man found treasure in a field he didn't own. So he sold all that he had so that he could buy the field containing the treasure.

All that he had. He sold his house, he sold his tv, he sold his food and chocolate, he sold his Starbucks, maybe a prized relationship... What other things would you have to sell?

In contrast to the wealthy man in Matthew 19- who couldn't bear to part with all his belongings, this man sold it all. And that day he obtained that treasure in the field.

That day he earned the ultimate treasure.

But I have to wonder, what if he hadn't found the treasure worthy of the price? What if he liked his toys too much? What if he planned on waiting to buy the treasure until a later time? What if he wanted the treasure but didn't count the cost of obtaining it? What if he thought he could have his treasure and his earthly things, but then at the last minute he ran out of money? What if he didn't buy that field? What if we were like the rich young ruler, in Matthew 19:16-30, we liked Jesus but we didn't love Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds? What if we, like the rich ruler, wanted eternal life, but we wanted pleasures on earth and earthly fulfillment more?

What if we missed out on knowing Jesus, and the treasure of eternity, because our eyes were focused on the idols and temporary pleasures of this world.

Friends, there are so many idols. So many temptations calling for our attention, and our envy, and our hearts. The Devil is prowling like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us, seeking to destroy us by turning our hearts to selfishness.

Friends, yes there are idols, yes there are earthly pleasures. But friends, there is a treasure that money can't buy, there is a treasure far better than anything we can imagine. A relationships with Jesus- a heavenly King- has a beautiful life he wants to give us.

There is a treasure friends. Let's chase after it. Let's sell our things so we can buy it. Let's regard it as it is- it's priceless, it's eternal, it's worth it, it's valuable. I don't know about you, but I want that treasure.