Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
As we read these similar parables, the subtle nuances of God can come out to us. I began to see that in one case, a man simply finds a treasure and sees it for what it is. A treasure! He then sells all he had to gain infinitely more treasure; it seems straight forward.
As I read again I saw another layer in the following image. A merchant was looking for fine pearls, when he finds one, he sells all he has to gain what he knows to be far more valuable. It seems straight forward, but I kept thinking and praying.
Imagine a business man looking for the perfect business. He is studying, analyzing and using every piece of intellect and wisdom he has to find the perfect work, that will bring him the perfect reward. These two parables are quite opposite. One is a picture of a moment of encounter when God suddenly reveals to us the beauty, power and love of God. His Kingdom becomes the most important thing in our world. We bring everything low to lift high the value of God’s glory, love and power.
In the next image we see a man who has studied his treasure. He is seeking it day and night. He is using all his skill and resource to find that which is most valuable to him. When he finds it, he knows it, and he uses all, all of his resources to acquire that which he has found. The love, power, rule and reign of God are the object of his every desire and resource. He must acquire what he has found.
So, what did I learn? Whether it is a sudden awakening to what is right in front of me, or, it’s the fruit of hard labor and diligent searching, the wealth of God – the power, love, beauty and knowledge of our infinitely beautiful God is right at hand for me to gain. The greatest treasure in the universe is all around you; will you seek it with me?