Matthew 13:44-46
“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.”
Reflection:
Here is the first thought that many people, perhaps even you this morning, think when you read this text: “But I don’t have to.”
True. When it comes to justification, the way for you to be pronounced righteous and forgiven of your sins, Scripture is clear that you are not saved by giving a certain amount of money. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ.
However, if you awake this new day and find yourself already justified and walking in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, then it is time to be sanctified! These verses are here for your benefit. God is trying to help you by telling you to put Him first, even before your money. Think of the church in Acts 2 and 4 when the Christians were giving away what they had so that everyone had everything in common. It was not a command that Christians must be socialists. These Christians were simply putting God before their money. What was the result? Thousands of people became Christians. They saw the truly beautiful lives of Christians who loved God most and they wanted that same beautiful life. Think of the woman who gave her last two coppers. She was not crazy. She simply knew that she not only depended on the Lord for all provision but also that she loved Him most! Think of the sadness of the rich young ruler who put his money before God. Do not walk away from Jesus with your head hanging low, knowing that you are putting your money first. Think again of His life, death, and resurrection and see how right and beautiful it is to put Him first in everything in this short life God has given to you!
In Christ,
Pastor Yonkman