Buried Treasure

The Bible is full of parables but two similar parables stand out for me this weekend. They are two in one. Both say the same thing and the lesson to be learned must be really important since they are told back to back.

Matthew 13: 44–46 (NIV)

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 that he had and bought that field.
45: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
46: When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Both parables indicate that the Kingdom of Heaven is the ultimate treasure to be found and it is, however, sometimes there are earthly treasures placed along out paths that can also be very valuable to our walk through life.

How do we handle the treasures placed along our path? Do we forsake everything from our past to acquire the better treasure as indicated in the parable? Do we admire the treasure but walk past because we can’t let go of the inferior treasures we have collected in the past? Do we pass it by because we are unwilling to give up past alliances which are unhealthy to our walk? Finally do we try to hold on to our past treasures or alliances and take the new treasure.

In forsaking all we purchase the treasure with our sacrifice which releases the full benefit of the treasure to change our path and make the way easier.

By passing the treasure by we receive a temporary benefit from the treasure as we pass by but in leaving the treasure behind results in our loosing its influence on our path. We just trudge on in our walk through life in the same old rut just getting deeper and harder to travel.

Holding on to our past and trying to take the new treasure is likened to stealing another’s property because we haven’t purchased it. The weight of the past added to the burden of the stolen treasure weighs us down and grinds us into the path of life until we eventually have to give up everything just to continue.

How many times have we passed up opportunities to change our path but didn’t because of the sacrifice involved? I know that I have and have missed a blessing as a result.

May we each have the maturity and wisdom to find the treasures placed in our path for positive change. Then we should count the cost to determine what a bargain it is. If we do then it will be well worth the sacrifice.