Treasure: Trading What's Temporary for What LastsSample

Day 3: Treasures of the Kingdom

Over the last few days, we have considered what kind of treasure we are pursuing and what trading the pursuit of that treasure for something better could look like. Now, it's time to dream. What are the riches of the Kingdom of God actually like?

In Matthew 19, Jesus confronts a young, rich man who thinks he has done everything he needs to do to follow God. While he can confidently affirm that he has followed all the commandments, he turns away from Jesus with great sorrow because he could not comprehend leaving behind his material wealth to pursue God. Jesus explains to his disciples that even beyond physical possessions, temporary treasures like relationships, property, and opportunity will pale in comparison to the treasure of eternal life with Christ.

Interestingly, we never get a vivid picture of those treasures beyond their weak comparison to what we value in this life. So, if the treasures of the Kingdom of God are beyond description, what could we dream them to be? I get excited by the idea that the treasures of the Kingdom bring ultimate satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness in a way that temporary treasures on earth only give us a taste of.

Let your heart and soul dream for a moment; do you remember the last time you laughed uncontrollably until tears ran down your face? Do you remember the joy and lightness you felt, even for a moment? That fleeting moment of release and happiness is just a shadow of the ultimate treasures that are a part of the kingdom. Our relationships, experiences, and connection with Christ will be so perfect and complete that all our desires will ultimately be satisfied in the presence of God.

Reflection:

If moments of connection, fulfillment, and satisfaction are shadows of the ultimate treasure, what tells us about the things that matter today? Take some time to reflect on the areas of your life that are building that kind of treasure and consider how you can lean in and foster growth there.