Riches

Treasure at the end of a rainbow?

“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.

                                                                                (Matt 13:44-46 NRSV)

It is has been said that one cannot reach the end of the rainbow. I beg to differ. Years ago, I was driving along U.S. 45 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and to my great surprise and delight witnessed the end  of a rainbow resting in a farmer's field. My heart was filled with joy at the sight of this occurrence which I had heard was impossible. 

Of course, being a wee bit Irish, I immediately thought of the mythical leprechauns who bury their pots of gold at the ends of rainbows and I smiled. But, what brought real joy to my heart was the gift of seeing this rainbow that God had promised up so close. It was a reminder to me of a treasure much greater than any silver or gold. It was a reminder that God is with us now and always. It was a reminder that, through the blood of Jesus, I and all who believe are heirs of the kingdom of heaven; a treasure much greater than anything that can be found here on earth.

Why seek riches in this world when we are already heirs of even greater riches? "So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Col 3:1)  Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... (Matt 6:33)

The kingdom of heaven is the treasure to be sought after. Yet, there is nothing that we can or have to do to receive it. There is nothing to dig up. There is no good work that we can do to gain this treasure. It rightfully belongs to all who believe that our beloved Lord sacrificed, himself on the cross, for us, that we might live in the kingdom of our God for all of eternity.

Rejoice then for the greatest treasure is ours; purchased through the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J