The Kingdom of Heaven: Is Hidden

Our personal priorities shape our lives—from the mundane minutiae to the most marvelous moments. Dinner plans tonight, vacations next year, and dreams for the future are formed by our values. Thoughtful Christians evaluate what they treasure and what they’re willing to sacrifice for those treasures. Today, Jesus asks his disciples to participate in his parables. He compares the great gift of being a child of God to buried treasure and a pearl of priceless worth. Discoveries like these are once-in-a lifetime scores. It is God’s greatest priority to give us his kingdom. It is worthy of our time, our energy, and whatever sacrifices are necessary. The riches of our redemption surpass these things in every way. But Jesus knew the temptations his disciples would encounter. Wise teachers called them fools. Friends turned their backs. Persistent trouble and nagging doubts might lead them to ask if this kingdom was really worth all that pain. The King encourages his servants to seek first his kingdom—there is nothing of greater value—and he will take care of the rest and us too!