Wednesday 27 Jul 2022

July 27: Matthew 13:44-46

Key Verse: Matthew 13:44
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.

Devotion:
I could imagine a person getting caught up in a treasure hunt, finding a treasure and then buying out a whole field just to make sure they can have claim to the treasure; worldly riches do strange things to people and it is a temptation we may all fall into at some stage in our lives. I’m pretty sure modern law and lawyers would have something to say about this treasure being found before the sale of the land – but then most of them are focused on worldly treasure instead of life!

I know I have lost riches by being persuaded by people who wanted what I had more than our friendship; finding out the truth about them wanting treasure more than friendship can be heartbreaking! This is something all of us have to face at some stage in our lives – the choice between what the world has to offer and what God has to offer…

Yes, it does come down to that in the end. God wants us to focus on love and friendships more than wealth and power. Wealth and power will only last as long as our earthly lives because once we lose our lives, we leave everything behind. Jesus reminded us of the greatest commandment being to love God and the second to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Once we see how great love is we can then get to see how great the relationship with God can be when we base it on love too. Jesus based His whole earthly life on love and showed us His love by giving His life for us. God showed us His love for us by bringing Jesus back to life so He could defeat death once and for all. That love is eternal and will never fade or die!

Points to Ponder:
What is your focus on, love or money?

Will you try to share a bit more love instead of trying to build up treasures?