When my kids play in our sandbox, they occasionally find a treasure. Sometimes it’s an army man or a Hot Wheels car, other times a colorful rock. I don’t particularly view these as treasures, but for my children they are fantastic finds.
Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure — a treasure more wonderful than any other. Its value is supreme. It’s worth everything you have to possess it, and it’s worth every effort on your part to obtain it.
For most people, the treasure of the kingdom of heaven is not recognized for what it’s worth. But what I find even more disturbing are believers who have recognized the treasure of the kingdom but are unwilling to live fully and completely in the Spirit of Christ. They instead remain unwilling to let go of their sin and selfishness in exchange for the treasure that awaits them.
For the believer and nonbeliever alike, the kingdom of heaven is one of the most accessible, yet often most ignored, blessings in this world. Like colored rocks, army men or even Matchbox cars, this treasure is available to all who seek after Christ with childlike hearts.
My friends, I encourage you to abandon the temporal treasures of this world and embrace the eternal ones found in Christ Jesus. Hear the words of Jesus speaking to you today:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19-21
The Rev. Glen Morden is pastor of Patterson Covenant Church. Sermon Notes is a column by local religious leaders.
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