Thoughts for the Day

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; 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; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Have you ever been to a large city and looked at the Christmas window displays in the really big stores, the ones with acres of lights, and stories like Dicken's 'Christmas Carol' told in window after window with Victorian street scenes? In the UK I'm thinking of stores like Harrods or Selfridges. Going inside you marvel at the amazing things that can be bought these stores, from boats to tiaras, all costing a fortune. Or perhaps you've visited the Tower of London and looked at the crown jewels with their diamonds so big they almost appear fake?

If you have, you will understand something of the idea behind these two little parables, of the 'Treasure found in a field' and the 'Pearl of great price'. Today's reading speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven as something of such great value that a person wants so badly that they will do all they can to purchase it. The Kingdom of Heaven is so important to them that they will sell everything they have to get hold of this precious thing. We might think in practical terms today, that we would willingly give up anything that stops us from being a part of God's wonderful Kingdom - this could be bad habits, or intentions, but it could also mean changing our lifestyle or work!.

However, there is another meaning behind these two tiny parables that we might consider. Ask yourself what can you possibly do to ensure access to God's Kingdom? The answer is likely to be "Nothing!" Now think of these parables in a different way. Maybe you are the pearl of great value or the treasure. Jesus so loved you that He gave up everything - including His life - to rescue you!

Jesus,
we acknowledge that
we have nothing to offer You,
unless it be ourselves.
We also acknowledge that
You gave Your life to save us.
May we come to You this day
to admit our failings,
determined to make changes,
and accept Your offer of eternal life.
Amen.