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"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44-46 ESV)
I can't help thinking that both of these buyers are in serious trouble! After all, both of them have "sold all that they had" and purchased the thing they desired—the field with the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price. Now they have nothing left to live on. They have their treasure—and nothing else. That seems like a problem to me!
But they would not agree with me, would they? People in this state are happy—no, overjoyed. They aren't worrying about tomorrow. They are so happy to have the thing they wanted—the thing for which they gave everything else up—that future problems seem as far off as the moon to them. They are in love, and they have the thing they love. What more could they ask?
"How reckless," we may say, and turn the page. But Jesus is describing Himself! We are the treasure He found in the field (that is, the earth); and He gave all that He had, even His own life on the cross, to buy us. We are the pearl of great price that drew Him to leave heaven behind to become our Savior—to live and to die for us, so that He might have us for Himself. And now that He has us, He is happy.
Do we deserve this great honor? Of course not! And yet, here we are. Jesus has chosen us—has bought us—and we are His forever. He may be happy, but we are truly blessed. What could be better for us than to be loved so passionately by the God who made us and redeemed us?
We Pray: Dear Savior, I am Yours forever. Thank You. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on July 27, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights
Reflection Questions:
1. Was there ever a time when you passionately desired something like the men in these stories?
2. Did you get what you wanted? Were you glad?
3. How does it make you feel, to realize God desires you with this deep abiding love and happiness?
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