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2023
Day 14 / 14.07.23 / Angelic Cheah, Executive Director, Alpha Singapore

Day 14: Our surpassing treasure

MATTHEW 13:44-46 ““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. “Again, 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.”PHILIPPIANS 3:8 “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ …”1 TIMOTHY 2:4 “… who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

A treasure of great value

Just this year, an original first-generation sealed iPhone from 2007 was sold in an auction for $63,000. What contributed to this incredible value? Its significance to mankind as a technological breakthrough, as well as a product of supply and demand. There are not many left in this condition.

However, similar earthly measurements cannot be used to state the value of the treasure of the Kingdom.

There is simply no way to quantify or define the value of the Kingdom. But we see a glimpse of its worth when we encounter the God of this kingdom. 

When we encounter God, strongholds are broken, relationships amended and lives redeemed. We experience such faith, hope and love from just an encounter that we start to truly understand its surpassing value. 

We all need an encounter with the King of the Kingdom of heaven to have a glimpse of its surpassing value.

“One encounter with Jesus fills us with joy, with that deep joy which only God can give.”
(Pope Francis)

A treasure worth giving our lives for

People these days are willing to queue overnight and spend large amounts for the latest gadgets, limited edition goods and Happy Meal toys. When a treasure is found, people will sacrifice time, money and effort to obtain it. 

Similarly, many who have encountered a glimpse of the Kingdom have gone on to do much more for the Kingdom than they would ever do for any other treasure on earth.

When we encounter God, strongholds are broken, relationships amended and lives redeemed.

In Philippians 3:8, Paul says: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”

How much a person would do for the Kingdom is a testimony of its surpassing value.

How about you? How can you live in a manner to show others the surpassing value of the Kingdom? 

An act of kindness to a person on the street? Choosing to speak well of colleagues? Acts of love to your family and friends? Sharing your story about the joy and gifts of His Love for you?

These are all ways that we can convey to others how much we value the Kingdom of heaven.

As Rick Warren says: “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.”

We all need an encounter with the God of this Kingdom in order to taste and see the surpassing value of this treasure. And once we’ve tasted this for ourselves, let’s share it.

Let’s lean on His boldness and share the Love, Joy and Hope of knowing Jesus.

How much a person would do for the Kingdom is a testimony of its surpassing value.

In 1 Timothy 2, we are reminded that “God our Saviour desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”.

Today, would you join me to share this Gift – the Gift of salvation, the Gift of access to the Kingdom of heaven – with someone? Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this opportunity to speak of Your love and Your hope for us.

I ask and pray for all my brothers and sisters that today we take this boldness, fill our hearts with Your love and speak only of Your love and joy to others.

I pray all of this in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Download the PDF version of today’s devotional here.

/ Reflect
  • How would you describe the value of the Kingdom of Heaven to you? 
  • What is one thing you can do in your daily life that shows others the surpassing value of the Kingdom? 
  • Who is someone you can start sharing this treasure of the Kingdom with today?
/ Pray
  • Pray boldly for the kind of spiritual experience and breakthrough that so moves us that we are able to count earthly treasures “garbage”.
  • Ask God to reveal to you what you value above His Kingdom – material comforts, relationships, reputation? Commit these idols to Him and lay them at the foot of the cross. Pray for a heart so aligned with His that you long to tell others about the Kingdom of Heaven.