What is the kingdom of heaven?
Is it the place Christians go when they die?
What have we assumed this kingdom actually is?
Are our ideas of this kingdom true?
Do yourself a favor, go to this website:
Next, under the title “Quick search,” type in “kingdom.” Once you’ve typed this into the quick search, press the “Search the Bible” button.
I’d like you to first notice how many times the bible talks about the concept of a “kingdom.” After you’ve seen there are 347 times this word it mentioned, go to the 193rd reference. This is the beginning of Matthew where Jesus starts to preach and teach on the kingdom of heaven. As you look over all the way Jesus talks, defines, and explains this kingdom; compare His idea description of the kingdom of heaven to yours. Are they the same? Different? Hmmm
I’m completely fascinated with this idea of the kingdom of heaven. What does Jesus mean when He says the “kingdom of heaven is near”? What about when He says, “the kingdom of heaven is inside of you”? Scholars and theologians continue to say that this message of the kingdom is the main point being expressed in all Jesus’ teachings.
So what is this kingdom? I encourage you to read through and look at how Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven.
Fascinating!
What was Jesus saying?
I’ve come across something recently that I’ve heard before. Through focus, study, and prayer, it has become new and fresh.
In this parable, Jesus tells his disciples what the kingdom of heaven is like:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went out and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Read this a few times..........
Think about it.... Close your eyes and imagine this happening.....
Imagine the value this man found in the hidden treasure. He finds something of great worth! What does he do? He goes and sells everything he has to purchase this field where he hid this new found treasure. We must come to the conclusion that the value of this hidden treasure is beyond the value of anything else he acquires. He gives up everything he has to take ahold this new discovery.
Did he sell things he had saved his whole life?
Did he give up a business?
What about a house, or a property?
Point is: This new finding now became the focus/priority of his life. All his investments were shifted and directed to this valuable treasure. He sold everything he had to purchase that field! Thats bold.
Some of us have found this treasure and perceive it’s value. Some recognize that a treasure exists, but they don’t experience it’s worth. Some are ignorant to the treasure and it’s worth.
The man in the parable found something that radically changed the course of his life.
This new finding changed everything!!!!!!!! What a powerful image.
Drastic
Robust
Vivid
Dramatic
Graphic
Intense
Radiant
Lucid
Evocative
He reordered his life. Everything was revamped. He didn’t simply tweak a few minor issues, his life entered into a metamorphosis. The significance of this treasure spurred radical redirection.
This is one of the ways Jesus spells out the kingdom of heaven.
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I want to be part of a people who continually see the value of God’s kingdom; part of a people who have discovered the treasure. Part of a generation mindful of God’s: boundless, unlimited, never-ending, interminable, fathomless, extensive, vast, immense, incalculable, and infinite love for us.
I have found a hidden treasure! Thank God for eyes to see.
May we see the treasure! When we find it, may we remember and remind ourselves of it's infinite value!
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