Matthew 13_45-46
September 30
Happy Sunday Everyone,
The scripture for today is Matthew 13:45-46
Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking fine pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
The phrase "kingdom of heaven" appears thirty-two times in the New Testament. In Bible days when a kingdom was referred to it was clear that a kingdom was a nation or people that was under the authority of a king. All of the rules of conduct and the means by which one could become a citizen of that kingdom were also under the authority of the king. The king was the supreme ruler; he had the power of life and death over his subjects. Consequently, the fate of the subjects was determined by the character of the king. The most important person in any kingdom then is the king. The most desirous kingdom to be a citizen of would be a kingdom with the most benevolent, wise and powerful king. A king who could provide for his subjects, give them life instead of death and sustain their lives in the absence of fear. It would stand to reason that the wise would seek such a kingdom and the security it provided.
There is no kingdom on earth with the qualities we have described. Such a kingdom does exist however; it is the before mentioned kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ is the King in that kingdom and His character defines its culture. He is love in the purest form. He has provided the means through His own blood sacrifice for anyone who desires to become a subject of His kingdom to do so. In fact, He invites everyone to come to Him. He does what no other king has ever done; He invites His subjects to rule and reign with Him. What would a person give to become a part of such a kingdom? In our text today the seeker was willing to give all that he had. That is the only way to lay claim to the kingdom of heaven; give up all that you have. All that we have is nothing compared to the riches of the kingdom of heaven. Only in the kingdom of heaven can we find eternal life; the pearl of great price. "And this is the witness, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life." 1 John 5:11-12 What He asks of us is so small compared to the infinite value of what He offers us. His arms are outstretched offering that which He alone can give. It is ours if we will but make the exchange.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim