“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you would have done anything to have it? I know some people who are like that about every new piece of technology that comes out. They rush out to get it, spending way too much money, because they absolutely must have the latest thing. And once it has been acquired, they gleefully display it, describing the features and functions in detail to anyone who will listen. They don’t mind the expense, for their heart is set on this new purchase.
Now picture the man in this Scripture….walking through a field his foot hits an object protruding from the ground and he stumbles. Curious, he looks down to see what he has tripped on. He digs a bit and discovers a box. How odd that it would have been left in this field. He opens it, and to his amazement, it is full of gold coins and jewels. The gems catch the sunlight, almost blinding him with their sparkling brightness. He closes the box quickly, looking around to see if he is observed. Stealthily, he hides the box again. He searches for the owner of the field. He must purchase this field, he must have that treasure. The owner names his price – much more than the man has. Undeterred, he sells his home, his donkey, and all his possessions to raise the money to buy the field. All the earthly possessions he has acquired and enjoyed and treasured over the years, gone in an instant. But this man is filled with joy. Because now he has the field. Now he has the treasure.
For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, leaving the glory of heaven to come and die for sinners. And He has set a joy before us – the joy of knowing Him. Compared to this, all earthly joys fade into nothingness and all earthly treasures become dull and lackluster. So let us leave behind the trinkets we have entertained ourselves with and pursue with all our hearts the one true treasure – Jesus Christ.
He is my Delight 