An elderly farmer with slothful sons lay dying.  When his sons gathered around his bed , he leaned forward and began to whisper.

“There is (gasp) treasure (gasp) in the (gasp) field.”

Then he slumped and slept silently.

>The sons pondered their predicament.  Where was the treasure? The field would have to be searched in order to discover their wealth!

>Eagerly the sons set to work..  Daily they returned to the field to continue their quest.  Eventually, they had turned over every inch of sod.  There was no ‘treasure’ according to their expectations.  However, the field was fertile; and they had become wiser and stronger as a result of their toil.  United, the sons planted the field; and at the right time, they reaped a bountiful harvest.

Kingdom Principles

In Matthew 13, Jesus used several parables to illustrate  some kingdom principles.  Besides making the truth He taught simple enough for His hearers to relate to and understand, Jesus fulfilled prophecy.  His teaching method was so effective that without parables, He did not teach the multitude (vs. 34-35).  When Jesus  compares the Kingdom of Heaven to treasure( v. 44) hidden in a field, He provided some valuable insights.

Have you ever imagined what would be your choice if you were allowed to keep only three of your prized possessions?  What would they be? Why? John, the Revelator, had a basic existence on Patmos; yet he was entrusted with a treasure.

>Trust Truth

At the foundation of the conflict between good and evil is truth.  When Eve disobeyed God, she chose to believe a lie.  Today, the theme is the same.  With so many choices available, how does an individual know what is true and what is a lie or simply an opinion?

Paul, in Ephesians 6:14 instructs all

to girt the loins about with truth. This piece of armor supports the remaining pieces.  In Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1,counsel is given.  There is something distinctive and precious about the Bible.  Truth clearly describes Jesus for He is the Way, Truth and Life, the only path to God.

 

The Bible is the Word of God

The bedrock of all truth;

Unless you read the  Word of God

Your life will have no root.

The promises in the Word are sure;

Through endless ages they endure.

God is not slack; He cannot lie.

The Word will work when its truth you  apply.

It shines bright and is a light.

Abide in God; and in His Laws you will delight.

Redeeming Relationship

Jesus provides sufficient details when He says that the treasure was hidden.  Thus, the person mentioned had discovered it.  No doubt, when the person uncovered it, he realized its worth.  A penny from 1899 that is found crusted with dirt , for example, may not be as valuable as a chest filled with pieces of eight and doubloons.  The man relocated the treasure, and with joy, he sacrificed all and purchased the field. 

Jesus explained that the field is the world (v.38).  Do you know that  the  light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ is the treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:6,7)?  Do you know that without faith, there is only the darkness of doubt and confusion?  Now, who experienced joy when He got a chance to make a supreme sacrifice in order to redeem the world?  Who loved the world so much (John 3:16)?

>Do you know that the Alpha and Omega

Spans the chasm of sin

With the bridge of His love?

Now all are invited to look to Him.

>God wants man to belong to Him; and daily communication is essential to this personal relationship.  It produces a heart and mind that is in harmony with His will.

Exhortation and Examples

>After the man bought the field, he could display his treasure.  However, whatever is precious is preserved carefully and kept secure.  Wines, coin and stamp collections, art /craft and jewels are among some items that are guarded.  How then does God view His creation?  Paul admonishes believers to remember that they have been bought with a price.  Glorify God in your body and spirit.

The counsel that Jesus gives is in essence not to get attached to the tangible, corruptible thing of this world.  Instead, concentrate on  the incorruptible.  In heaven, no thieves can enter; and there is no taint from rust.  Focus  your affections on the things of God.

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