Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field

Words that describe an article elevate its price. “Footwear” is higher priced than shoes. A “journal” is more expensive than a “magazine.” An establishment that has a “clientele” can be expected to charge more than one that has plain “customers.” A trip to a men’s “hair salon” may set you back twice what a jaunt to the barber will. Prison guards are now “security officers.” Garbage men are “sanitation engineers.” Rat-catchers are “rodent exterminators.”

In similar ways, the Bible speaks of individuals as having an elevated price, not because of the words that describe them, but because of the treasure that has been found.

“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 (NIV)

And while the world looks for words to elevate prices, Christians know Jesus, whose death, resurrection and ascension, has made us priceless.

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:6, 7 (NIV)

Pastor Billy Blackmon

Highland Southern Baptist Church

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 7:47 AM with the headline "Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field."