What makes you the happiest? What is your greatest joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction? Gollum wanted his precious ring; Cookie Monster has to have cookies. The world tells us we have to have as much stuff as possible, as much money as possible, and the best relationship with the hottest guy or girl as possible. What makes you the most happy? What is your greatest joy?
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Matthew 13:44).” The kingdom of heaven has a king, who is God, and He rules over His kingdom, the whole universe. “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19).” His kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field, and a man found it. You’d think he’d take it and keep it, but back then, under Roman law, the treasure belonged to the person who owned the field. So it makes sense that he found the treasure and covered it up; he had a bigger plan in mind.
He went and sold all that he had to buy the field, to gain the treasure for himself. And he was happy to do this. He sold all that he had, all his stuff. There was something more valuable, something more worthy to own, something that would bring him more joy and happiness. What he had wasn’t as great. He went joyfully and sold all that he had. He was glad to unload all of his possessions to obtain that treasure. That treasure was his greatest source of fulfillment and satisfaction. It was worth losing everything for it. That’s some treasure.
And that’s what the kingdom of heaven is like. It’s the greatest treasure, more valuable than anything you could own here. Your boat, RV, big screen TV, truck, and beautiful house are not as valuable. Your job is not as valuable. Your spouse, kids, or parents are not as valuable. Are they? Compared to Jesus, the king, the kingdom of heaven? Stuff, money, jobs, and relationships will break, fade away, and stop. What will bring you and give you the greatest everlasting joy and happiness? Only the kingdom of heaven. Only knowing the king, Jesus.
The man found the greatest treasure, Jesus, and in his joy went and sold all that he had to get that treasure. How happy will you be if you have that treasure, the kingdom of heaven? What are you holding on to that keeps you from the kingdom? What are you prepared to give up, sell, or sacrifice in order to have that kingdom?