“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46
What would you do to obtain one of the most valuable things on earth if the opportunity presented itself to you? To what length would you go if it was something that you have wanted all your life?
Some people have wanted a certain special car since they were a child, but had never had the opportunity to get one. At some point in their childhood they saw a car that captivated them so much that it left a permanent longing in their heart that Someday! they would get one, whatever the cost.
And so I pose this question to you: How much is eternal life worth to you? How much is a lifetime spent in the kingdom of Heaven worth to you?
People are always searching for ways to live longer, whether it is through trying to eat healthy or exercise, or trying to cut out certain “unhealthy” habits. But the fact is that we all die, some sooner or later than others, but eventually death will overcome our fleshly bodies.
I know that I sure would like to live forever. Don’t you? We are limited to really just a handful of years because our bodies just won’t live that long. Eventually we will all break down, and stop working, just like the motor in a car, but there is a way for us to live forever. It is not found in science or medicine, or exercise. The key to immortality is found in the blood of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. That is the one and only way to live forever.
So what is the cost? Considering that everything that we could attain will all be taken away from us upon our physical deaths, it is only prudent that we give our lives to the Lord right now. Wouldn’t you trade 1 dollar for 1 million dollars? You would have to be crazy to pass that up! So will you trade the short 70, 80, 90 years of your life to be able to live forever? That is quite a small price to pay, yet many people will not take that offer.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14
How many people have grown old and grey, and look back and say, Time does fly. A short time is all that we have on this Earth. So, once again, what is the kingdom of Heaven worth to you? The price has already been set, but will you give up everything for it?
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:34-37
The life of a Christian is a high calling. It will result in persecution by those who fight against Christ. It will require that you give up what you want to do, as a carnal man. It is a road less traveled, but it is the ONLY way if you want to receive the prize. The Apostle Paul realized this, but he knew that any sufferings that he would have to endure for the name of Jesus would not even come close to the riches that would await him in Heaven.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” Romans 8:18,19
A lifetime of eternity? That to me sounds like the best deal ever.
In Christ,
Andrew
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