treasure
 792 years ago, to this very month of October, it is recorded that King John came to Kings Lynn, a place where in his politically troubled times he was still welcome. Apparently he had given the port a royal charter which positively helped commerce. With him was his royal entourage, including his considerable wealth. The idea was you kept moving around your nation stopping off at various places. When you had eaten and drunk them dry, you moved on. When King John moved on to Newark Castle he went by the sea’s edge which at that time took you to Wisbech. His 3000 soldiers and his goods took the short cut across The Wash. What happened to them is somewhat a mystery but they probably fell foul of the incoming tide. All were lost. Somewhere out there is treasure buried and hidden. Anyone got a spade?
People love buried treasure. Divers dive for it. Archaeologists dig for it. Indiana Jones braves all the dangers in the world to find it and scavengers walk up and down the beach at tea time with their metal detectors looking for it.
Jesus told a story of treasure buried in a field. In Matthew Chapter 13 v44 it says, "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
There are three things in this short story about the kingdom of God that are highlighted. Firstly the kingdom is of high value. It is like treasure. It is worth something. It has beauty, wonder and glory. It creates longing and anticipation. It causes action and decision to be made.
Secondly the kingdom produces joy. Can you just imagine the scene as the whole town gathers at the door where Jesus was? In Mark Chapter 1 v32-34 it says, that evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons … It must have been party time as the kingdom is visibly demonstrated!
Thirdly we read that the kingdom was worth to the man, selling everything he had for it. He gladly, willingly and joyfully sold everything so he could have the treasure. I wonder if the reason that so many of us seem so indifferent to the kingdom is because we are not willing to seek after it with everything we have and then, when we do catch a glimpse of heaven, relegate it to just another experience not realising its supreme value. Let us be those who seek first the kingdom.
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