Would you give it all up for this one thing?

What would you give to find true joy?

"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."Matthew 13:44-46

These parables of Jesus are deeply challenging as in their simplicity they cause us to ask what would I do?

I actually find myself arguing with them - surely the treasure hunter is being deceitful? Getting the field and it's treasure for a knock down price is just dishonest!

Such questions are a distraction. By asking them, I am not letting the parable probe me.

Would I sell everything to gain something of immense value?

What would I be prepared to give up, to gain Jesus Christ?

Do I see how worthy He is? Do I value Him above everything else? Do I find true, lasting joy in Him?

And in these days when we're locked down from so much that entertains and brings joy; in these days when the fear of death hangs in the community; do I find my joy in Him? Am I willing to give it all up, health, house, job, bike, family, to gain Him?