Having Treasure in Heaven

We all wish we can find a treasure, at least I do! This desire is so widespread that Jesus used it in one of his parables, that of the hidden treasure in Matt 13:14. It goes like this ‘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.

In this week’s Gospel Mark 10: 17-30 Jesus tells the man ‘go, sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.’ In both the parable and the man seeking to inherit eternal life, Jesus is offering a treasure, one that is worth more than all they possess, and it is to be found in the kingdom of heaven.

Today we use the word heaven to describe a place where we go when we die, if we were good in our earthly life. But Jesus uses the word in a much more layered fashion. He speaks of the kingdom of heaven that is already present in the world. Take for instance Luke 17:21 ‘the kingdom of heaven is among you’. And in Mark 1:15 ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand’

He points to both a future of eternal life with God and a present reality where God‘s kingdom breaks into this world. It is the ultimate goal of salvation, and also a transformative power at work in the lives of the world today. It is a treasure hidden in the field, that is the world.

We also can find this treasure, but we have to rid ourselves of attachments ‘sell all that you have’, be singular in purpose. By prioritizing finding the treasure in this world, we will find it - seek and you shall find, and this treasure will grow to its fullness in heaven.

Friend, join me in search for this treasure. We will know when we are close, we will experience a deep indescribable joy in our heart. I think I am getting close, as I often experience it in flashes. I think of that wonderful story ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, in which Santiago, the shepherd boy, sells all his sheep and goes in search of a treasure, which he eventually finds.

I think of my ministry as my quest in finding the treasure. I have given it first priority, I am in the process of selling all that I have in seeking this treasure. Like Santiago, I am on a quest, for that hidden treasure. Join me.

I have created a number of maps to journey with me. You can find them on my website. I invite you to visit it at the link and come with me My Search for the Hidden Treasure Link I suggest you visit my books and the membership programs and sign up for my Transformation Retreat. See you there.