The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field that a man finds. In his joy, he sells everything he has and buys the field. I want to be like that man. The kingdom of God should be the joy of my life. A joy that deserves my selling everything I have to acquire it. The kingdom of God is not mere duty and drudgery, but great pleasure and happiness. Have I lost my first love - a time when the joy of the Lord was overwhelming and bubbling all over everything I did?
The kingdom of God is like a merchant in search of fine pearls who finds one of great value. The great value of the pearl moves him to sell everything he had to buy it. I want to be like that merchant who appreciates its value. Is there anything more valuable than the kingdom? Lord knows the search we are on trying to find something to fill our lives. The kingdom of God is no sacrifice. It is not a losing transaction, but a worthy one. We win out of this deal! Why do I set my eyes on earthly things and make them more important, even more useful than the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is like a net thrown into the sea and gathers fish of every kind that are sorted as good and bad - evil and righteous. The good go into containers and the bad are thrown out. The Lord speaks of the final judgment and the reality of hell - a fiery furnace; a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. But my focus should not be on hell, but on the reward! The righteous will be gathered by the angels to be with the Lord. Who doesn't like a reward? I want to be in the kingdom because I'm looking forward to the reward just like Moses.
Lord, don't let fear, need, and tradition be the motivators of my following you. Fill my heart with joy. May your kingdom and its business be my joy. May I appreciate its value and never complain of sacrificing anything to follow you. May I work in the kingdom looking forward to my reward.
