"The Kingdom of Heaven is Like. . ."

Scripture: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.  Matthew 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls;  when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it. Matthew 13:45-46

Fritz Kunkel pointed out in his book Creation Continues, that the first parable pictures the kingdom as a treasure that we search for and find. However, in the second parable we are the pearls, the treasure found by God. According to Fritz Kunkel, the kingdom of God is both His presence found within and our own search and acceptance of His presence. When we answer His call, we become the fine pearls whom God holds in great value. We should hold fast to this knowledge because it gives us the power to overcome life's difficulties. As Christians we are the building blocks of His church on earth. God lives in each one of us.

Prayer: Your ways are hard for us to understand. We were taught as children that you reside in heaven someplace out in space.  Now we are told that you live within each one of us and that together we form your Kingdom on earth. Continue to teach us your way and help us to walk in them. Amen.

Noel and Jane DeKalb               ndekalb@gmail.com