Day 9 - What's Your Treasure?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:44-46 – 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.

COMMENTARY: Even though these two stories deal with the same topic, the kingdom of heaven, there is one stark difference. In the first story, the man stumbles across the treasure. In the second story, the man has been searching for it for years. Some people seem to just stumble into Jesus along the way. Certain situations in life just happen to bring the two together. A person can be walking through life and upon first glance in this chance meeting they realize Jesus and his kingdom are of unmeasureable value. Others have had a tug on their heart for years and have looked for that fulfillment everywhere: in astrology or psychics; in Buddha or Joseph Smith; in places that denigrated Christ’s name proudly or places that bore his name on the door, but not his Spirit within. Either way, whether by surprise or by careful search, we can find Christ. When he is found, he is so wonderful that nothing else matters because, well, nothing else matters.

If Christ is our treasure, we have a different view of earthly things: we can enjoy life and the things of this world, but they do not own us.

REFLECTION: What are some ways you can tell what someone values? How did you feel the day you discovered Jesus? What does it mean to enjoy God’s blessings without demanding them? Restate Jim Elliot’s quote in your own words: “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Day 8 - Be Good Soil

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:22-23 – The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choked it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

COMMENTARY: God plants the seed in your life. Your life is the soil. What kind of soil are you preparing for God’s seed to be planted in: the packed down roadway, shallow soil with a hard rock foundation, soil full of counterfeit thorny plants or good soil?

REFLECTION: Read the full passage (Matthew 13:1-23) and figure out where you fit into the picture because that is Jesus’ direct instruction in 13:9.

Day 7 - Know the Word

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:12-13 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

COMMENTARY: Can you really know someone if you never listen to a word they say? In the same vein, can we truly know God if we never listen to his words as recorded in the Bible? We know the plot line to multiple shows on television and can sing their theme songs, but can we lay out the plot for each book of the Bible? Know this: the Bible is the blueprint to life. We just need to treat it like it really does contain the life-changing truth that can be used by the very Spirit of God to transform lives.

When your roof leaks, you call for someone to look it over and give you an estimate. The question then becomes, “Is the repair worth the cost?” Studying God’s Word will cost us our time, energy and disciple. It will result in direction, insight and understanding. The truth found in the Bible is worth more than silver or gold. They hold the keys to success and fulfillment, but these treasures aren’t available for free. They require tenacity and effort. Is the effort worth it to you?

REFLECTION: Where do you hear God’s truth spoken? Describe your practice of reading the Scriptures. What does it mean to meditate on God’s word? How do the Holy Spirit and God’s Word work together in a person’s life to transform, encourage and direct?