Sold Out!

Its just amazing how sometimes I read a scripture passage and its like Im reading it or even
hearing it for the first time. My readings took me to Matthew 13 verses 44:46.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

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. Again, the kingdom of heaven
is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and
sold everything he had and bought it.
Jesus perfectly explains how we should view and react to the Kingdom of God. Nothing should
make us more content, happier or more excited. So much so that after hearing the good news and
realizing the treasure contained there in, that we become sold out for Christ. As I meditate on this
scripture another one comes to mind:

The Rich Young Ruler Mark 10: 17-22

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. Good
teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Why do you call me good? Jesus
answered. No one is goodexcept God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not
murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you
shall not defraud, honor your father and mother. Teacher, he declared, all these I have kept
since I was a boy. Jesus looked at him and loved him. One thing you lack, he said. Go, sell
everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,
follow me. At this the mans face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

The rich young ruler left feeling sad because he failed to realize that, the treasure he would have
gained was worth much more than what he already had. But arent we exactly like this today? We
fail to see the value in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead we cling to what we have (riches,
knowledge, opinion, comfort, freedom), not realizing that it is when we give up our lives that
we gain everything. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life
for me will save it. (Luke 9:24)

It will not save me to know that Christ is a Saviour; but it will save me to trust Him to be
my Saviour. I shall not be delivered from the wrath to come, by believing that His
atonement is sufficient; but I shall be saved by making that atonement my trust, my
refuge, and my all. The pith, the essence of faith lies in this; a casting of oneself on the
promise. It is not the life-buoy on board the ship that saves the man when he is drowning,
nor is it his belief that it is an excellent and successful invention. No! He must have it
around his loins, or his hand upon it, or else he will sink. Charles H. Spurgeon

Friends, the ball is in our court. Better yet imagine, we are standing at the edge of the field with
the treasures inside. Will we be like the rich young ruler who wants the treasure inside, but is not
willing to become sold out for Christ? Or will we be like the merchant and become whole
heartedly sold out for Christ, giving ourselves away so we can gain everything in Christ. Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Constantly the Lord bids us come. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Rev 3:20)