The Kingdom of Heaven
Sunday service, Dr Albu van Eeden, 10 Dec 2017
Matt 13:44-46
44 The kingdom of heaven is like a secret store of wealth in a field, which a man came across and put back again; and in his joy he goes and gives all he has, to get that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a trader searching for beautiful jewels.
46 And having come across one jewel of great price, he went and gave all he had in exchange for it.
What must one do to become part of His children or Kingdom?
Even when Jesus was on earth, only a handful of people were influenced and touched directly. And so too we might be thousands together today, but only a handful of people are touched by God’s Word. But may you be touched today and not that God’s Kingdom pass you by.
God’s Kingdom is not static but moves. As you hear God’s Word and experiences God’s Kingdom, bear in mind that the opportunity won’t remain forever. Grab the opportunity God gives you today.
In this portion we see how the Bible explains to us to become part of God’s Kingdom. This man was digging in someone else’s field and discovered this treasure chest full of diamonds and rubies and gold and precious stones. He covered it again and made a plan to buy that piece of land. He goes home and sells everything he has, even his car and house. God must be more important to you than everything, even your wife, husband and children.
God created everything out of nothing just by His Words. And today God can, through His Word, create something new in you.
The key to enter into God’s Kingdom is faith.
We read in Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
There is a story of a man who got lost in the desert. Tired and thirsty he came across an old dilapidated building, where he sat down to rest. After awhile he opened his eyes and saw a pump. He pumped but nothing came out of the rusted pump. Then he noticed a bottle in the sand with a note. It said, “This bottle is filled with water. DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER. Pour this water down the pump and then the pump will work. Remember to fill the bottle with water again”. These hand pumps that was in the well had a leather cork that only worked if the cork was wet.
He had to decide whether to believe this message or ignore it and quench his thirst immediately but then the pump will never work again. He was in a great struggle, but eventually decided to believe the note and poured the contents down the pump. Then he grabbed the pump with both hands and pumped with both hands. At first nothing happened, but after awhile a little stream trickled out. He continued. Then suddenly the pump started to pump heavy and a thick stream of fresh water flowed out. He could quench his thirst, wash himself in the water, be refreshed and fill the bottle again for the next weary traveler.
So too we must believe what God says, so much as to do what He says, and grab the opportunity he gives us with both hands.
Maybe you blame everyone around you for your problems? And every day you wake up and carry this grudge around. It is destroying you. That is part of the kingdom of satan, not from God.
Matthew was a tax collector but heard God’s word, “follow Me” and he responded and left his riches behind and followed Jesus. Will you do the same and leave your jealousy and grudges behind?
Choir
German translation
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