Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy, he goes away and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. When he found one very valuable pearl, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your kingdom is a precious treasure because there, one has eternal life. It is not something we can buy with gold or silver but was purchased on the cross with your Son’s holy precious blood. Many do not see the value in this gift they live for today and are unconcerned for eternity. They may not realize the result of their sinful nature and the condemnation coming their way, how they will suffer not a lifetime but the rest of eternity in hell with suffering that goes beyond what we have ever experienced in this life. This suffering comes to all who do not believe in you. Lord, forgive us when our focus becomes content only on the here and now.
May we follow Jesus’ advice and cherish our salvation like it was a hidden treasure or fine pearl; we would do all we needed to obtain this gift. Yet the way to this gift of eternal life seems too easy; you make it possible to us through faith alone in Jesus. Our faith is fed through your word and sacraments, so we know and trust you. It is there that your Holy Spirit works in us. In your word, you have given us your will to love you above all other things and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We fall short of your glory when we fail to love others in this way, and we sin. So you sent Jesus into this world to suffer and die for all our sins. He came into this world to redeem us from sin, death, and the devil; by trusting in what he has accomplished on the cross, we have that hidden treasure—eternal life. We pray that you would forgive us of all those sins that would separate us from you and assist us in finding and keeping the treasure of salvation. What a treasure it is? It is not a secret but a treasure worth telling and sharing with everyone with whom we interact. Lord, grant us openings to share heaven’s glory with others, so they will make salvation and eternal life their priority. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Understanding what is at stake when this life is ended makes heaven such a treasure. It comes to you through trusting in the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross; he suffered and died for your every sin.