One Year Bible - March 11
Scriptures to read:
Matthew 13:24-58; Leviticus 19; Proverbs 29
In this week’s devotion selections, one passage that stood out to me was the parable of the hidden treasure. Matthew 13:44 says, “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.”
I love this because the kingdom of heaven revolves around JOY!
I think in our walks with the Lord, we say we go through different seasons. A season of grace, a season of sorrow or a season of joy. From this passage and from what we know of the Lord, joy is not a season. Joy is a person! His name is Jesus. He is Mr. Joy. It is God who looks at us as his private field filled with treasure. In His own joy, he purchased us and takes residency in our hearts. With the good news filled with gladness, we get to spread this message of the Gospel of what Christ has done on our behalf.
In the presence of the Lord, there is a fullness of joy. Where are you going to go where He isn't? It is impossible! Joy is available to us as followers in all situations whether good or bad, that's what makes this message so good!
Another point that is scandalous with all of this is, God has already purchased each of us made possible by the finished work of the cross. He looked at us and loved us before we got our act together, before we prayed, before we even believed in Him! God sent his own son so that we can have reconciliation with Him, no other religion or belief system works like this, starting at the finish line. Through Christ, we have already received every spiritual blessing imaginable. There is no more striving, work or cleaning up to do in order to have fellowship with God. He loves us, right here, right now. There is nothing we can do to change his mind about how he feels about us. Incredible.
In real estate, when making a purchase, there is a lot of research, time, planning and steps to obtain a property. Relating to the passage, God took one look at us and made a purchase, all cash, no contingencies, close in one second to obtain us! That is the reason to experience great joy right now.
Memory Verse: 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. - Matthew 13:44
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you live inside us right now. We thank you and enjoy your presence. Thank you for the fullness of life and joy you bring us in any circumstance. God, you are so good! We thank you that you saw us and said "I'll take it" even while we were still sinners, you sent your son on our behalf. Thank you for your great grace! Thank you that there is no distance to your heart.
