The Discovery of God

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”  - Matthew 13:44

Here are three things to reflect upon in regard to this passage: 1) The Kingdom of God is like a “treasure;” 2) It’s hidden, waiting to be found; 3) When discovered, it’s worth giving up everything we have to obtain it.

First, it’s helpful to reflect upon the image of the Kingdom of God being like a treasure.  The image of a treasure brings with it various lessons.  A treasure is often considered enough to make one rich if found.  If it were not of such great value it would not be considered a treasure.  Thus, the first lesson we should take is that the value of the Kingdom of God is great.  In fact, it’s infinite in value.  Yet so many people see it as something undesirable and choose many other “treasures” in its place.

Second, it’s hidden.  It’s hidden not in the sense that God does not want us to discover it; rather, it’s hidden in the sense that God does want us to discover it.  It’s waiting for us, waiting to be discovered and rejoiced in when found.  This also reveals the great excitement one has in making this authentic discovery of the Kingdom of God in our midst.  

Third, when someone discovers the riches of the Kingdom of God and the riches of the life of grace, the experience should be so awe-inspiring that there is little hesitancy in making the choice to give everything up so as to obtain that which was found.  What joy there is in coming to an awareness of the life of grace and mercy!  It’s a discovery that will change one’s life and lead one to abandon all else in pursuit of the new treasure that has been discovered.  

Reflect, today, upon your own experience of discovering the Kingdom of God.  Have you allowed yourself to be drawn into amazement at the value of this treasure?  If so, have you also allowed the discovery of this life of grace to so deeply attract you that you are ready and willing to give up everything to acquire it?  Put your eyes upon this gift of infinite value and allow the Lord to direct you in its pursuit.

Lord, I love You and I thank You for the treasure of the Kingdom that You have prepared for me.  Help me to make this hidden discovery each and every day in a more complete and awe-inspiring way.  As I discover this treasure, give me the courage I need to abandon every other selfish endeavor in life so that I may seek this one and only gift.  Jesus, I trust in You.