Devotional #15- Pearl of Great Prize

Matthew 13:44-46 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” When there is something we really treasure we will give up almost anything for it. For example, my parents have watched me suffer from a neurological disease for 9 years. If there was something that would bring me complete health, they would give up all their savings for it. Because they treasure me. I was thinking about how many of us who love the Lord end up losing loved ones because of our faith. They often don’t want to be around us because of the narrow path we’ve chosen. Yet, Jesus said, “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37 My heart desire is that the people I care about would find God’s love and become followers of Jesus themselves. But if they do not, I have to be willing to give them up for Christ. I cannot be willing to compromise Biblical principles to keep them in my life. What value do I hold God in if I am not willing to give up the things I treasure most for Him? Matthew 19:29 “…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” This scripture says we will receive “a hundred times as much.” Some people might think a hundred times as much as talking about receiving people or things. I don’t. I believe it’s saying Jesus is worth a hundred times as much as what we give up. He is! We will receive Jesus and we will inherit eternal life. Hallelujah. Thank you God!