Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

Have you ever heard the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe? It is a wonderful song about what heaven might be like when we arrive, and how one might respond when they come face-to-face with the Creator and God of all. Have you ever imagined what heaven might be like or thought about what heaven is like? You are certainly not alone in that. In fact, the disciples also wanted to know what heaven was like, and Jesus would often try to describe heaven to them.

Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, that a man found but then hid it again. After he hid the treasure, he was filled with much joy and sold all he had to buy the field. Jesus continues to describe the kingdom of heaven by saying that it is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When the merchant found one of great value, he also went away and sold everything he had and bought the pearl (Matthew 13:44-45).

The difference between the two men is that one stumbled across the hidden treasure, and the other was seeking the hidden treasure. However, both men saw great value in their discovery and chose to sell all they had to have a small portion of it. This is not to say that one can buy their place in heaven or purchase a piece of heaven. It is about the value of heaven, which is so great that one would benefit more from heaven than all the possessions he has on earth.

A few chapters later, we find that a rich man approached Jesus and inquired about getting into heaven. Jesus responds that one must obey the commands of God. The man then says that he has done all that is commanded of him. However, the man became sad and walked away when Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions and give to the poor, and follow him (Matthew 19:16-22). The man’s goal is eternal life, but his wealth and lack of commitment stood in his way.

Again, it is not that heaven is for sale, but it does come at a cost. You must be willing to first come humbly to God and confess your sin and repent of it. Then you must be willing to give all you have to receive the gift of eternal life that can only be given by the Father, through His son Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ as your Savior and through your faith in Him, God will consider you righteous, and you will inherit the “hidden treasure”. 

One last story comes from Mark and Luke. Jesus is in the temple and observes the rich putting their money into the temple treasury. He also observed a widow put two very small copper coins into the box. Jesus shares with his disciples that the widow put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth, but she gave out of her poverty and put in all she had to live on

 (Mark 12:41-43; Luke 21:1-5). Like the first two men mentioned before, the widow gave all she had. It was her willingness to give all she had that was richer than the wealthy. For if the willingness is there, the gift (offering) is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have (2 Corinthians 8:15).

We must be willing to give all that we have to receive what God has for us and wants to give us, which is eternal living with Him in heaven.

Last week, the little lambs learned the story of Jesus as a 12-year-old boy whose parents lost him on a visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. After three days of searching for Jesus, Mary and Joseph found him sitting among the teachers in the temple and being “about my Father’s business.” (Luke 2:41-49). I would like to point out that he was gone for three days, and he was found in his Father’s house. Could this be some foreshadowing? This week, we will embark on a lesson on lessons. The little lambs will be learning about parables, and for the next few weeks, we will look at some selected parables. 

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we serve the Lord of all with our praises. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you, may the Lord of our treasures in heaven bless you with joy, peace, kindness, and may He comfort you in your loss, give you guidance when you are lost, and heal you when you are sick.

God bless you

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)