"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." ~Matthew 13:44-46
I've heard this parable all my life and I've always misunderstood it, maybe willfully. I thought God was the man and I was the treasure. I thought God was the merchant and I was the pearl. It's an accurate view of God's love for us. He does pursue us at great cost to Himself. It cost Him the agony of watching his Son die cruelly in our place.
But that's not what this parable is about. The man, the merchant --- that's me. The treasure and the pearl represent the kingdom of heaven. God. Jesus. Fulfilling the awesome purpose He has planned for us. It just might cost us everything we have.
What does that mean for me? What will it cost me? That's a question each of us must ask ourselves and God. It could be different for each person. I believe the point of the story is this: What are you holding on to that God may be asking you to give up? A job? Security? A relationship? Your reputation? Material possessions? Safety?
Our God is a radical God. He is not friends with this world and if we follow Him, we can't be friends with the world either. To live the radical Christian life is to risk.
What have you risked lately to follow Christ? What have you let go of that you might embrace Christ wholeheartedly?
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