The Kingdom of God 4 – Priority

The aim of this devotional study is to consider one’s own attachments and priorities in light of God’s value system.

Scripture

Matthew 13:44-46

44  “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.

45  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Observation and reflections

Jesus told these stories (parables) to explain abstract truths about the Kingdom of God to his audience.

1. Reading both these parables, what is the main lesson Jesus meant to teach about the kingdom of God and our relation to it?
2. What type of man (in terms of his vocation, social status, education, and wealth) would typically be digging in a field he does not own?
3. In Jesus’ day pearls were a rare and very expensive commodity. What type of person (in terms of his social status, education, and wealth) would be trading in it?
4. Compare the two parables and fill in the missing words

Parable	Treasure in the field	Pearl of great price
Who found it?	Common worker
How did he find it?	Accidentally
What was his response?
How did he obtain it?

1. Jesus told two very similar parables, which Matthew recorded next to each other. Why?

5. Considering the differences and similarities between the two parables
   1. Both a common worker and a trained businessman discovered more they ever dreamed of. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God and (i) education or intellect?
   2. A worker accidentally discovered it while a seeking merchant found it. What did Jesus mean to teach about the kingdom of God?
   3. Both could obtain these precious discoveries. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?
   4. The worker found it while he was alone a field; the merchant found it while engaging with people trading and comparing pearls. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?
   5. Both sold all they had to obtain the treasure. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?

 

Personal reflection and prayer

A common worked dug and discovered it, a rich pearl merchant travelled far and wide to obtain it.  Both sold all they had and thereby could possess it.  What does that teach you about the Kingdom of God?

1. Both the worker and the merchant “sold all that he had to obtain” the kingdom of God. How does that challenge your priorities and preoccupation with material things today?
2. Pray that God would see his worth and his reward.
3. Pray that God would grace you to “seek first the kingdom of God” today.

Stewardship 3 – affections and security

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on security and affections relating to possessions.

Scripture

Matthew 6:19-21

19  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observations and reflections

Note: Matthew 6:19-34 contain Jesus’ revolutionary teachings on possessions, money and security.  We will focus on one or two such teachings each day and consider our own thoughts and actions in the light of his words.

1. Read the text above again and in your own words summarize Jesus’ teaching regarding money contained in these verses.
2. Regarding the “treasures on earth / in heaven” metaphor:
   1. What are the “treasures on earth”? What does Jesus mean? Give examples of what earthly treasures could be for you.
   2. Why does Jesus say one should not store up “treasures earth”? He mentions two things – but what is his core motive?
   3. What are the “treasures in heaven”? [hints: (1) what are the things God promise to reward eternally? (2) what remains beyond this life?]
   4. What two reasons do Jesus give to motivate the gathering of “heavenly treasures”?
   5. What is the link between one’s treasure and one’s heart?

Application

1. Consider the material possessions you cherish most – list it.
   1. In which ways can it be lost or destroyed?
   2. In the light of our eternity and the temporal nature of earthly things – how significant is this “earthly treasure”?
2. Consider your [attempt at] monetary savings – why do you [desire to] do it?
   1. In the light of Jesus teachings in the text above – how should you consider your money now?
3. What will you do today to “store up treasures in heaven”? Write it down as to-do list.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you an eternal perspective that permeates through to your daily decisions.  Pray about your heart’s affections and security regarding earthly treasures.  Bring your desires from more and trust in much to God.  And commit to obey Him and store u treasures in heaven.