Growing up, my brother used to have a treasure chest in his room, and it looked exactly like the kind of treasure chest a pirate would be searching for. Now the kicker is that my brother and I had very different ideas of what treasure meant, so he stored things in his treasure chest that, in my eyes, were simply not worthy to be considered treasure, things such as a slinky, Legos, medals he had won, etc.
Like the man in this parable, my guess is that my brother would have sold everything he had to be able to keep the things he stored in his treasure chest. But would I have sold everything in order to have all the things my brother considered to be treasure? Probably not.
But that begs the question, what would be a treasure so great that I would be willing to sell everything that I might acquire that treasure? Would it be for a bigger house? For a new car? For the chance to travel anywhere?
Well as Jesus tends to do, He opens our eyes to see this idea in another way. Jesus’ idea of treasure is one that makes us feel known and loved. Because His greatest treasure, a treasure He would give up everything for, is you. You are what brings Him true joy, giving up all He has, even His life, and now He gets to call you His own. And now that He has acquired you, His treasure, He will protect you, guard you, and love you, because you are His most prized possession.
As we reflect on this past Easter season, I pray you are left in awe with the fact Jesus would find joy and delight in giving up His life for you. It is truly a gift to be seen and known by a Savior who would give up everything in order that we might have eternal life with Him. That feels like a kingdom that I want to be a part of!
Lord, our hearts are humbled that you have given up all you have that you might call us your children. Help us to know that true treasure and victory is found in you and you alone. Amen.
