Read Matthew 13:31-35, 44-46
The Kingdom of Heaven? I’d Give My Life For It!
In four of the seven parables that Jesus shares, he starts by saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like….”
1. He says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that though it is small, it develops into a large tree which produces a fruit with high nutrients. The branches are almost as wide as the heighth of the tree. It becomes a great place for birds to find shelter, shade, and food.
2. The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven that a woman hid in three pecks of meals until it was all leavened. Three pecks doesn’t sound like much but once leavened, it grows to a large amount. It would feed an unusual amount of people. Jesus seems to suggest the provision of Heaven will go beyond our understanding.
3. and 4. The parable of the Hidden Treasure and a Costly Pearl: the Kingdom of Heaven is like a hidden treasure in a field or a costly Pearl. To find either of these would bring great joy to someone. So much joy that one would be willing to sell everything they have in order to purchase it.
Honestly, what is there in life that you have seen that you would be willing to sell everything you have in order to purchase it? Seriously! I honestly can’t think of anything that I have found that I thought it was worth selling everything I own in order to purchase it.
But I can say this, even though I don’t understand how majestic and awesome heaven really is, I’m willing to offer my whole life, even sacrifice it if need be (by the grace of God), in order to enter into heaven. It starts with a relationship with Jesus! Are you SOLD OUT for JESUS? I mean like, TOTALLY SOLD OUT? If not, how does your life need to change so you are SOLD OUT?
