Bible Reading Blog
“It is Worth It”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Matthew 13.44-46
Every year, millions of people immigrate to the United States looking for a better life. For some it may take years as they order their lives to find a way here. To do so, many sell everything they own because they are convinced that being here is better than anything they had before.
In some ways they are right. Having lived in the US my whole life, I didn’t understand this until I visited Ethiopia several years ago. Seeing 3rd world conditions first-hand is shocking, but what made it worse is the lack of opportunity. Even if someone wanted a better lifestyle, social constructs and government regulations often do not allow them the chance to pursue them freely. Ethiopians often look at Americans as though we have it all; one even commented to me that he imagines America is what heaven is like.
From this side of the world, we know the US is far from the perfection of heaven; but we do have many more comforts than the rest of the world. This often numbs us to the desire for something better because we are just comfortable enough where we are. Like the brethren in Laodicea, many would say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing…” but what does Jesus say to them? “[You do not realize] that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3.17). The comforts of American living will fail everyone, but the riches of heaven will not. Do we believe that?
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13.44-46)
God’s word reveals the value of God’s kingdom, but many will not see it. There are too many things that demand their attention… how could something intangible be more valuable than my paycheck... my possessions... my securities?
Does that describe you, or are you buying what God has revealed to us about his kingdom? It is a place of peace, security and comfort. All things are provided for because God is there. If we believe in the value of his kingdom, shouldn’t we order our lives to get there? Shouldn’t we be willing to give up anything and everything? Perhaps our apathy is the result of ignorance. Perhaps it is our failure to grasp the great disparity between the now and the not yet. Either way, belief in the greatness of our king and his kingdom should be central to our everyday walk of faith. We must be seekers who deny temporary comforts (Matthew 16.24), abstain from the desires of the flesh (1 Peter 2.11) and give up anything (Luke 15.24-33) with the hope of experiencing God’s eternal kingdom. It is worth it.
