A Treasure to be Found

Tuesday, December 2

Matthew 13:44-46 (NKJV)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

Devotion

Whatever we esteem of great value in our eyes has also captured our heart. Matthew 6:21 (Amplified Bible) puts it this way: “For where your treasure is, there your heart (your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers) will be also.” According to today’s verse, the treasure is so valuable that a person is willing to sell all they have to possess this one thing. They are so obsessed with this treasure because they know it would bring them great joy.

Jesus preached to those in the crowd who were looking for a Savior. The ones who had ears to hear would hear. True seekers would find Him, the Treasure. Jesus preached, “‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.’” (Mark 1:15) It was time for people to choose to invest in their eternal salvation, and it was also time for Jesus to make the investment for them. For Jesus would die on the cross for their sins and be raised again from the dead for their justification.

What treasure captures the affection of our hearts today? What makes our heart leap just at the sound of it? Oh, that we would hear the voice of the Lover of our soul, just as the prophet spoke in Jeremiah 31:3: “Of old, Yahweh has appeared to me and with an everlasting love (a love that never ends), (saying) ‘Yes, I have loved you, upon this I have drawn you with loving devotion.’” (literal Hebrew) May our hearts respond in earnest to His call: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him, would not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Hold fast to our hidden treasure, the pearl of great price—a love relationship with Jesus that never ends.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your love that endures forever. As You draw me close to You, capture my heart once again. Restore to me the joy of my salvation. I surrender to You. Cause my heart to remember Your love that I once experienced the day I first met You. This is the love that takes me into eternity. I will treasure it all the days of my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

If our hearts have waxed cold and other things have slipped onto the throne of our heart, it’s time to rekindle the flame again for Jesus. In these days, it’s important to “keep the main thing, the main thing.” Christ is so worthy of our praise, gratitude, and affection. This is a good place to start—intentionally recognize all the good things He has brought into your day, then praise and thank Him for each one of them.

Resources

• Watch the message “Guard the Treasure”—a powerful reminder to protect what God has placed in you and live with renewed purpose.

• If your heart has grown distant, let today be the day you return to the Treasure of all treasures—rededicate your life to Jesus and let His love reign on the throne of your heart again. Salvation