There is an old Scottish legend that tells the story of a shepherd boy and found treasure. One day the young lad was watching over his sheep on the side of a mountain when he came upon a beautiful flower. It was the most beautiful flower he had ever seen. He was so captivated that he got down on his knees to gently pull the colourful, fragrant petals close to his face. He picked the flower to be his own. As he was admiring it, he heard a loud noise and looked to see a large stone rolling away from a cave’s entrance. Immediately the sun’s rays revealed the sparkle of dancing light. The boy rushed inside and to his amazement found a vast treasure of precious stones, diamonds, and even fine gold jewelry. His first impulse was to gather. Laying down his flower he proceeded to pick out things he fancied until he felt he could hold no more. He turned to leave the cave when he heard a voice say: “Don’t forget the best.” He thought to himself, “what fine treasure did I miss?” He looked around and selected a couple more beautiful pieces. He was now so laden with treasure he was struggling to maintain his balance … and the hold on his hoard! Again he turned to go, and again he heard the voice saying: “Don’t forget the best.” Sensing himself about to fumble the lot, he leaned forward to rush out the cave figuring there was always ‘more where this came from.’ The moment he got outside the stone rolled back into place. Disheartened, he heard the voice again, this time saying: “You forgot the best, the flower is the key to the mountain’s vault.”
This little story reminded me of the need to maintain the treasuring of our primary treasure – Jesus. There are so many benefits to the Kingdom of Heaven available to us through the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, yet our first and foremost benefit is getting to know the person of Christ and his loving rule and authority over our hearts. Out of last Sunday’s teaching from the parables of Matthew 13 we found that indeed no price in the world would be too great a price to pay in order to have the one great, finest, and best treasure (verses 44-46). And so we give even our very lives in joyful surrender to the rule and reign of Christ in our hearts. This Sunday we will be looking at the Parable of the Householder (Matthew 13:51-52), and we will see that we are not only to ‘lay up’ treasure but to ‘lay out’ treasure. The word in this verse we translate ‘treasure’ is often used for one’s heart, and its wealth and treasured values. The Kingdom of Heaven is meant to so captivate our hearts and understanding that we are able and willing – compelled even – to share our treasure with others.
I do hope to worship and treasure Christ and his Word with you this Sunday.
Much love,
Pastor Gary
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.