APR 29

Matthew 13:51-52
Memorise 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"…wherefore comfort one another with these words…"

DO YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS WITH THE WORD?

This passage in Matthew 13 shows Jesus describing the kingdom of Heaven through a series of parables. He shows how discovering the kingdom of Heaven is the most precious treasure one could obtain, infinitely worth more than any physical luxury. He likens it to "treasure hid in a field" which when a man finds it, would sell all his earthly possessions and buy the field (Matthew 13:44). He also says it is like a precious pearl that someone would sell all that he has to be able to possess it (Matthew 13:45-46). It is priceless and of more value than anything in this world. Jesus notes that not everyone will truly be received into the kingdom of Heaven. He describes it as a net that gathered both good and bad sea creatures but in the end, the bad which represent unbelievers would be cast into "the furnace of fire" (Matthew 13:47-50). The good or the true believers shall "shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43). Not everyone can understand the truth of God’s kingdom except those "who hath ears to hear" with the Spirit’s enabling. Therefore, to his disciples who had heard all this, he liked to be as "scribes" or believers who understand God’s kingdom. They are urged by Jesus to be like a generous and hospitable householder who does not hoard his treasures but shares them with all who come to his home.

Jesus is urging us to share the eternally precious treasure of the kingdom of Heaven to everyone around us, whether they end up as wheat or tares in God’s great harvest of souls in the end. This includes sharing the Gospel with unbelievers as well as encouraging believers with God’s Word. We should not be selfish and keep the blessings we have obtained through God’s Word to ourselves. Instead, we should share it with everyone around us. You can do this by sharing with your fellowship group what you learnt during quiet time or writing a Bible verse to comfort someone in their need. Always turn to God’s Word to spur our fellow brethren along in their walk. Our words may fail to encourage but God’s Word will never fall short in lifting up the downcast heart.

Thought: Can you think of anyone you can encourage with God’s Word today?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for helping me to understand Matters regarding Your Kingdom through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to actively share what I learn with others as well.