Finding Treasure
[Mt 13:44] “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.
This parable of Jesus is meant to help us understand the nature of the Kingdom of heaven. The principles of Kingdom life are different to the principles of this world. Jesus wants us to realise that we need to operate by Kingdom principles. There are Kingdom principles here for us in leadership -valuable insights for us in this parable that will help us in leadership.
Are you looking for Treasure?
The first obvious question is: are you looking for Kingdom treasure? We will find what we are looking for – if we look for trouble or difficulties we will find it – if we look for great people and effective leadership – we will find it. What are you looking for this next year – what will be your Kingdom search? Will you look for the treasure that God has for you to discover this year? There are many treasures for you to discover this year. Let’s be committed to being seekers of Kingdom treasure – searching for the great things God has for us in ministry and leadership this next year. Treasure seekers believe they will find treasure! We must never stop believing that God has treasure for us to discover! When you stop looking you will stop finding treasure!
Treasure is in the Field
This parable teaches us that the treasure is in the field. It is not found in the back yard. We have to go into the field for our treasure. God has treasure we have not found because we are only looking in the church for it – but there is great treasure in the field of the world for us to discover and recover. We are often working with the same people trying to bring change and sometimes there is no change. We need to get into the field as it is ripe for a harvest for it is when we are in the field that God will give us new treasure! If you are looking in the field you can find treasure. The more fields you look in the more treasure you can find!
What will you sell to get the Treasure?
We cannot find treasure unless we are willing to sacrifice for it. Every treasure exacts a cost. The question is: what we are willing to pay for the treasure? Jesus tells us that it can cost everything to get a substantial treasure. The cost can be high but the reward is worth it. Get into the field and pay the price to discover the new treasures God has for you!
This coming year will be one of blessing and success if we are persistently seeking the treasures God has for us. I believe that in the New Year you will uncover many new treasures that will bless you and your church.
Once again thank you for the privilege of serving you and thank you for your support and encouragement. This has been a trying year for us as a family and your constant encouragement and support has been a source of strength for us – thank you – we love you! We have not ceased to believe with you for thousands of churches and churches of thousands.