Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 13:44-45 | 44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls.
“High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.”
The ancient world had no banks, and with constant patterns of conquest, individuals often buried their valuables, lest they be expropriated by marauders. Jesus tells one of His parables of the kingdom based on this reality. A farmer has leased a field or been hired to plough one. He runs the plough into something, digs, and discovers a treasure from some ancient owner. He sells everything to acquire the field and own the treasure. Some sacrifices are not grim but joyous, undertaken eagerly and gladly, because there is a surpassing value to what is gained. For Jesus, and for our hymn writer, God is the ultimate good, so to lose lesser things in his pursuit is joyous, not painful.
When did you last make a joyous sacrifice?
Gracious God,
You are of surpassing value and our ultimate good, measureless in beauty, unmatched in goodness, unrivaled in power. You are the source and inventor of love and truth. Help me to remember You are my treasure.
Amen.
