“The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he [hides], and for joy thereof [goes] and [sells] all that he hath, and [buys] that field.” Mother was reading from Matthew 13:4444Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44). She explained to her children its lovely meaning: “The Lord Jesus had considered us as ‘treasure,’ even though we were sinners. He gave His life so that He could ‘purchase’ the world and save His people. The story,” she explained, “could be easily understood by the Jews of that day, because there was a real chance of finding treasure buried years before by men who had gone off to wars and had died and not returned to claim those buried treasures.”
Seven-year-old Casey opened his eyes wide as the word “treasure” was explained. Instead of listening to the story’s meaning, he began wondering ... could there possibly be some treasure buried in his own backyard? He decided to find out!
Now, do you think he found any buried treasure in his backyard? Of course not. Poor Casey was setting his heart on foolish things—buried coins—to buy toys or maybe the delicious doughnuts he loved.
The next morning everyone was hurrying to get off to school. Suddenly Mother cried out, “My change! Children, I had plenty of coins in my purse for your lunch money, and it’s all gone! Come here, every one of you!”
Casey was the last to appear and was not acting quite right. After a few questions, Casey began to cry. “I only wanted to dig up buried treasure,” he sobbed. Sadly, he led Mother to the backyard where all the money was found neatly buried.
“Oh, Casey,” Mother said. “Do you realize that you have acted out what the Bible says? ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)). It made you want what you had no right to take and to sin further by taking the money and trying to hide your sin. Now run to your room and confess this to the Lord Jesus.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)).
The treasures of this world lead many to the lake of fire. Make sure you have found the Source of the real riches—Jesus, the Son of God. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:3636For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).
ML-05/29/2011