“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21
Scripture reading: Matthew 13:44-46
It is important to clear up any misunderstandings before diving into this passage. It seems that almost daily in Europe and the Middle East, someone is digging up a buried treasure in a field as roadwork begins. In ancient times, people buried their treasure to keep it from thieves and hide it from enemy invaders. So, if it had been the owner in this passage who buried the treasure, he would not have sold the field with the treasure in it.
When you put the two parables together, the Kingdom of Heaven, which is all the blessings and benefits conferred on the Christian, is found quite unexpectedly (the treasure in the field). But the Kingdom is also the fulfilment of the heart’s deepest longing and greatest search (like the pearl of greatest price). Whatever else one had before, paled in comparison to knowing Jesus and serving Him.
As a prison visiting pastor, I am aware there are many “short-cuts” people try so they can get a treasure they think will satisfy them and get them rich quickly. Gambling is a massive addiction: lotteries, video lottery terminals, casinos. Why mention this? The Kingdom of Heaven is not a scheme. God the Father invites you to lay down your earthly trusts, your lust to hoard and have the fleeting treasures of this earth, so you may gain the inexhaustible treasures of heaven. Dig up your life. Why are you putting hopes and confidence in schemes that cannot prosper? Today, freely give of your time, finances, and talents in service to Jesus.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray urgently for those who are trapped in a cycle of scheming to get earthly wealth; pray that the Spirit will show you if you too are secretly treasuring up worldly things.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com