We know from the parables that Jesus often equated joy and treasure with the kingdom of heaven, even likening at one point the righteous to those that would shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Matthew 13:43) In another scripture, those who preach the gospel will be like shining stars in the universe. Perhaps, this is why the parable, whereby Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven like unto treasure hid in a field has so much meaning. Herein, as Jesus explains, the man who found the treasure hid it, and for joy thereof went and sold all he had to buy that field. (Matthew 13:44)
Jesus did not stop here. He continued this thought, likening the kingdom of heaven to a net cast into the sea. The net had gathered within it fish of every kind. When it was full, the boat drew to shore and sat down, gathering the good into vessels. In both examples, Jesus is showing us what the kingdom of heaven would be like, and how we too should desire the things that are spiritual.
Why? Because to gain the whole world and lose one's soul does not make sense. Let me also say, that Jesus was not talking about money here, but rather, the treasures of our heart.
Why? Because to gain the whole world and lose one's soul does not make sense. Let me also say, that Jesus was not talking about money here, but rather, the treasures of our heart.
Jesus clarified this when He said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Phrased another way, is it the things of this world that we desire? Or, do we focus our eyes on the heavenly? As believers in Jesus by faith, do we truly love our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Do we seek to fulfill the purpose that He placed in our heart whilst we were still in our mother's womb? These are all valid questions.
We read in both the old and the new, the first commandment: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 22:36-40)
Perhaps, this explains why the encounter between Jesus and the rich man is cited so often. It wasn't just a conversation. Indeed, as the scripture points out, Jesus beholding him loved him, and desired this man's heart. As we know, the man was unable to do in his heart what Jesus was asking him to do. That is, as Jesus said, "One thing thou lack. Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." (Matthew 19:21)
To me, it was losing the currency of this world that the man could not accept. His acquired wealth, comprised of earthly money and riches. His treasure -- the desires of his heart -- stuck on the worldly objectives. Within that heart, the heavenly would just be an extra. Certainly, giving his all -- like standing in the offering plate and doing everything in both word or deed for Jesus was problematic. To some extent, it reminds me of our modern day religious culture, whereby our walk with the Lord Jesus is as an extra in our life, instead of Him being everything in our life. But I digress.
In complete contrast, we get a glimpse of the heavenly from others in the scriptures, who gave up their earthly moments, revealing to us in this day that there is no better reward than following Jesus. I am reminded here of the wise men who came to see Jesus as a young child. When they saw the star in the east stop over the place where Jesus was, the wise men, what does the scripture say. These wise men "rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10)
When was the last time we rejoiced with exceeding great joy? It was this rejoicing with exceeding great joy that the rich man missed, in believing (wrongly) that the treasures of this world could ever satisfy the longing deep down in one's heart for the treasure that can only be found in our blessed Saviour.
In complete contrast, we get a glimpse of the heavenly from others in the scriptures, who gave up their earthly moments, revealing to us in this day that there is no better reward than following Jesus. I am reminded here of the wise men who came to see Jesus as a young child. When they saw the star in the east stop over the place where Jesus was, the wise men, what does the scripture say. These wise men "rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:10)
When was the last time we rejoiced with exceeding great joy? It was this rejoicing with exceeding great joy that the rich man missed, in believing (wrongly) that the treasures of this world could ever satisfy the longing deep down in one's heart for the treasure that can only be found in our blessed Saviour.
His love. His mercy. His grace. His compassion for His creation, bringing us to a place in Him whereby we can fully experience His joy in our hearts.
But it all comes about as a consequence of accepting Jesus into our hearts, and seeking His counsel and wisdom daily. Getting to know personally the He who knew no sin and yet so willingly took our place on the cross, shedding His precious blood so that our sin (as scarlet as it is) could become as white as snow. It is in this spirit of humbleness that we repent and ask for His forgiveness. When we do this, we realize that this same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ, desires our heart. (Acts 2:36-38) Our treasure -- His Word -- the Word that was with God and was God made flesh -- hidden away in our heart.
Let's take a good look at Philippians 4, understanding that when our heart, mind, soul and strength is totally devoted to fulfilling God's purposes, we shed the cares of this earth from our consciousness. We have been washed clean of our transgressions, and when we go on to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we become clothed in His garment of righteousness. (Acts 2:36-47) Like the words of the hymn proclaims, when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this earth will go strangely dim. We step out in faith from the doings of this world to become a fully satisfied and joyful being in Christ Jesus -- knowing that everything that comes at us in a day will be turned to good for those who love the Lord.
We see this transformation in the apostles who didn't let the earthly treasures get in the way of following Jesus. As Paul wrote here, "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Fruit as in souls saved and disciples of Jesus created after the likeness of Him, devoted to inviting others to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. This is what the rich man couldn't see. But the disciples -- they saw a higher calling and were willing to yield their earthly desires for the heavenly.
Why? Because Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords chose them. Jesus said, "I have chosen and ordained you."
We see this transformation in the apostles who didn't let the earthly treasures get in the way of following Jesus. As Paul wrote here, "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Fruit as in souls saved and disciples of Jesus created after the likeness of Him, devoted to inviting others to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time. This is what the rich man couldn't see. But the disciples -- they saw a higher calling and were willing to yield their earthly desires for the heavenly.
Why? Because Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords chose them. Jesus said, "I have chosen and ordained you."
Philippians 4 elaborates and instructs further on what it means to rejoice in His goodness and grace, and similarly, how to take hold of the Master who loves us beyond measure. Know too that we serve a God who shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Read this important scriptural passage for yourself. Meditate on the treasures written within. And be richly blessed in the precious name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.
"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life."
And in so doing, "rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:1-4)
"Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life."
And in so doing, "rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:1-4)
"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak in respect of want -- for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Philippians 4:1-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
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