The Superiority of the Kingdom

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Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”

In the previous parable (Matthew 13:44), a man just happened to stumble upon a treasure hidden in a field. In this parable, a man was searching diligently for something of great value. It’s possible Jesus was teaching something here — whether we are looking for it or not, the Kingdom of God can be discovered.

But the main point of both parables is that nothing is more precious or valuable than the Kingdom of God. In a culture that defines success by one’s Job Title, Income, Neighborhood, or even the clothes she wears, these parables emphasize that our cultural understanding of success is a monstrous lie. Simply living in the Kingdom of God is superior than any Job Title, level of Income, or the Neighborhood in which we may live. To live like Jesus is to see everything we own and possess as worthless when compared to the Kingdom He has for us. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 13:44-46 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: How do you define success? Do you see that living in the Kingdom of God is better than any amount of other success you may experience in life? 

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Spend some time in prayer listening to God. Invite Him to speak His understanding of success to your heart.  

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that there are times when I want to be seen as “successful” but I recognize that my understanding of success may be very different from Yours. Continue to help me see that success is living the life You have called me to live, in Your ways, and according to Your timetable. This is the true measure of success. Amen. 

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