Pr. Kurt A. Van Fossan – In Nomine Christi Iesu
Jesus said: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.” What treasures are in the kingdom of heaven? They include an eternal life free from suffering, where one can live in true peace and happiness. These are treasures for which people of every age have been looking. The very fact that we seek such treasures makes it obvious that they are not something we naturally possess in this world. So, how do we obtain such treasures which include eternal life, peace and happiness?
To answer that question I would like to emphasize the word “hidden” in Jesus’ words: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.” Why is it hidden? If God is a loving God and wants everyone to have all the good things of His kingdom, why does He hide it from us?
Part of the answer to that question can be found as we look at ourselves. Man likes to think that he can do anything if he puts his mind to it—that with man everything is possible! This is especially true in our day where computer technology is making possible new discoveries (like cloning) at a rate never thought possible by previous generations. All this fits in nicely with our natural desire to be independent from God and self-sufficient—to have no authority over us. This sinful pride within us in turn refuses to accept that it needs any help finding God and His treasures.
That’s one reason God’s kingdom is hidden, so that there can be no boosting in heaven!—No one who can say, “I found it!” Everyone in heaven will be there by the grace of God, “not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). God tells us in His word that “no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3); that “man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The treasures of God’s kingdom remain hidden to man unless God, by His grace, reveals them (see also Matthew 11:27).
While this does not sound like good news to the old man within us, that sinful nature which likes to be independent even from God, it is in fact good news. It’s good news because the less we have to do with our eternal salvation, and the more God has to do with it, the more certain we can be that our salvation is secure. Since our salvation is entirely dependent upon God, we can be completely certain through baptism and our God given faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. God promises: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). It’s something which our perfect God has done for us!
It’s also comforting to know that “God desires all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). While the kingdom of heaven is hidden, it’s not something God wants to keep hidden from us. Instead of trying to keep people out, God promises to work by His Holy Spirit and through His Word and Sacraments to bring all sinners to a saving faith and keep them in that faith.
This too is a hidden mystery, that our Lord Himself is at work here this morning through His Word to create and/or sustain faith. This is something hidden to natural man and revealed only through faith. We are in the midst of the treasures of heaven this morning as we gather together in God’s name to hear His Word and to receive Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion. Imagine, Christ Himself uniting His body and blood with ours! This is hidden from natural man—from those who have no faith—but revealed to those who believe. And because it is God who promises these things, we can be certain that this is a place where almighty God Himself is present to bless us by renewing our faith in His forgiveness, His power, and His love. A place where heaven touches earth—where God’s Word breaths His Spirit into us to create and sustain eternal life.
In Jesus’ parable He said, “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.” Is there anything more important than the treasures of God? Should we allow anything to keep us from receiving such treasures? What excuses have you used in the past? Too busy, too tired, too...?
The good news is that our Lord remains faithful even when we are unfaithful. He will always be where His Word is taught in it’s truth and purity, and where His Sacraments are rightly administered, to forgive, renew and strengthen us through His “Hidden Treasures,” making it possible for us to be and remain members of His body.
That’s a hidden mystery too, isn’t it? The Lord is in us to serve those around us with His love! “With God, all things are possible!” (Matthew 19:26). In Jesus’ name. Amen
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