My current study is in Matthew. This morning I came across another convicting parable. Two, in fact. One is the Parable of Hidden Treasure and the other is the Parable of the Pearl Merchant.
"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." (Matthew 13:44)
"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." (Matthew 13:45,46)
My study says this: The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. The merchant was earnestly searching for the pearl of great value, and, when he found it, he sold everything he had to purchase it.
This is exactly what Jesus required of his disciples. They had to drop everything, jobs, property, possessions, even family, to follow Christ. That's exactly what they did. They relied on 100% on Jesus for everything. If you felt a calling from Him today, would you be able to give up everything in your life to follow Him? All of us need to be at a place in our walks where we can do this, but are we? I hope that I could, but I know I love my family. It would be very hard for me, but I pray God would strengthen my heart so that I could completely trust in Him. This is just another reason we are called to witness to others, including our families. None of us know when God is going to call on us, or what specific mission He will give us. It may require you to drop everything and travel to another country where you don't know anyone and may not even speak the right language. Therefore, pray daily and be prepared to go wherever Christ wants you.
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