The Treasure Of The Kingdom
Saturday, September 7
Matthew 13:40-44 (NIV)
“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. “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 he had and bought that field.”
Devotion
In this passage, Jesus shares two profound parables. The first warns of the separation that will come at the end of the age—the righteous and the wicked will be divided, with the wicked being cast into judgment. The second parable shifts the focus to the immense value of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is described as a hidden treasure, so valuable that someone would joyfully sell everything they own just to possess it.
These parables are a sobering reminder of the gravity of our relationship with the Lord. They emphasize the need to take our walk with God seriously, for there will come a time when those who live in sin and reject His truth will face the consequences of their choices. We are urged to live as those who see the Kingdom of Heaven as the greatest treasure, worth more than anything else in this world.
We live in a world that often trivializes faith. Many people approach their relationship with God casually, fitting Him in around their schedules or turning to Him only in times of need. But Jesus reminds us that eternity is at stake. There will come a day when the opportunity to respond to God's grace will be no more, and only those who have lived faithfully will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with holy honor and ask Your forgiveness for the times I have been unfaithful or uncommitted to my relationship with You. I never want to trample on Your grace by failing to put my relationship with You first and foremost, above all others. Thank You for the gift of Your conviction when I am in the process of making a decision between You and the world. Please always give me the strength and boldness to choose You and Your ways. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
After you pray today’s prayer, pray it over your family and for anyone else God lays on your heart. Keep them in your prayers, as you may be the catalyst who propels them to right living.
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