Treasure

Our Lord once told a story about a man who found a treasure hidden in a field. The man hid it again then ran to sell all his possessions so that he could buy the field and have both the field and the treasure for his own. This is a parable found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13 verse 44. So simple and self-explanatory, right? Why did it puzzle me? Why did it seem to be in opposition to Mark 4:21, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?"

The puzzlement came for me because of the preface to the treasure story. Jesus said "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field." If we have received a light aren't we to share it in joy? Why did the man hide the treasure again? When we 'discover' the treasure that is the kingdom of heaven aren't we to share it with the world like the light on a stand? In examining this I have discovered that my question reveals my own simplicity. Rather, the kingdom of heaven is like our relationship to our Lord. For each of us it is unique and highly personal. It is truly the greatest treasure we can acquire. The kingdom of heaven - countless fields of wonder, each with individualized treasures for every single one of us, His beloved, undeserving children. Someday, the unutterable joy and peace of your most perfect Christmas morning memories will be our everlasting existence! The unlimited power which spoke all creation into being has planned a treasure specifically to bring me joy. That's real treasure. I smile just contemplating it. My smile is like a lantern lighting my entire being. The joy of being loved and loving Him can't be hidden. Like the best Christmas morning ever - like sated kids comparing presents, stuffed with turkey and stocking loads of candy and basking in the safety of loving family nearby. Oh, hey Brother, you got one, too? Excellent! Thank You, Father God.

Bless me Lord as I babble on. =)

Ki