A Treasure Worth Gaining

When I think about the kingdom of God, I don't often think of it being a treasure, but the more I learn about God and His character, the more I see how God's kingdom is the greatest treasure, and a treasure worth more than everything in this life. 

For the past few days we've been we've been looking at a parable from Matthew 13. Jesus said, 

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. (Matthew 13:44)

The kingdom of heaven is synonymous with the kingdom of God, and we've looked at how the Bible talks about the kingdom of God as more about God's reign than His realm. With this in mind, God's rule and reign is a treasure that is worth it. If it costs us everything in this life, then the cost is worth it. Why is it worth it though?

This is a question that I've asked myself when I go through trials or when life feels particularly difficult. In the midst of difficulty, I am reminded of what John Piper says in his sermon The Kingdom of Heaven Is a Treasure

The worth of having God ruling over you and, for you, over everything else. It’s not hard to see why that is so valuable. If the omnipotent, all-wise God is ruling over all things for your joy, everything must be working for your good, no matter how painful. And in the end God will triumph over all evil and all pain. So this kingdom is a treasure.

The worth is in being in a relationship with the God of the universe, of having him as a King, a Father, and a friend, of Him caring for us and welcoming us into His kingdom. The best part is that God offers His kingdom to us freely, like a father giving a toy freely to his child. It might require that we give up everything else in this world to receive it, but it is worth it! Ultimately, the only reason that we can be a part of God's Kingdom is because of the sacrifice of Christ. He went to the cross willingly so that rebels could become reconciled with the King and become citizens and heirs of the kingdom. Jesus' sacrifice alone so that we could be a part of the kingdom makes it worth receiving. 

Seeing the kingdom of God as a treasure changes the way that we view this world and our lives. If the kingdom of God is a treasure that is worth giving up everything to obtain, then that should change the way that we live our lives. 

In my own life, remembering the value of the kingdom of God and that it's worth helps me hold the material things with loose hands. There have been times when God has provided a gift card or money and then brought another person's need to my attention. Because I have a treasure far greater than this world, I can joyfully give the things I have been given away. Because I have a treasure far greater than this world, it is a joy to sell my possessions to support missionaries or those in need. Because I have a treasure far greater than what this world offers, the enticements of the world whether material possession or sin no longer look so enticing. 

God's kingdom is a treasure that is truly worth more than anything in this world, because we ultimately get to be under the Kingship of God, who is a better King than the rulers and authorities of this world. He is the better treasure, and loving and serving Him is worth more than anything this world has to offer. 

​​This post is part of a 31 day series called Seeking the Kingdom.
​You can view the rest of the posts from the series here.