Devotion 22 July 2026

The Treasures of Heaven

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in 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.”  Matthew 13: 44

READING: Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-45

The Psalms are filled with verses, depicting God as an encircling shield, a shelter, a stronghold when times are difficult, a rock, a fortress, someone who revives our souls and gives us strength, shelters and hides us when we need protection.  God is a comfort in times of illness and a light in times of darkness.  We read in Psalm 57 : 1, “In the shadow of Your wings I take refuge,” and Psalm 62 : 1 – 2. “My soul finds rest in God alone; --- He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; shall never be shaken.”

In our readings above we find Jesus speaking in parables because the crowds do not understand the great treasures of Heaven.  We read about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a big tree, symbolizing the tiny seed of God’s love which grows within us and offers shelter to us, like the birds in a tree.  In another parable Jesus talks about yeast being mixed with flour, enabling the dough to increase in size, symbolizing how God’s gift to us increases in size. These parables show us how great God’s love and power is, and which offers us a wonderful opportunity to take our struggles to Him and He in turn will give us encouragement, strength, consolation and compassion many fold times.  Then we read how the Kingdom of God is worth a great treasure of valued gifts worth selling all one owns.   God’s mercy endures forever. He is our refuge and strength.  He is present with us always in good times and difficult times.  We read in John 3 : 16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  In James 4: 8 + 10 we read, “Draw near to God and He will come near to You. --- Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we praise You for Your Holiness and that Your mighty presence is always with us directing us to do Your will in the world.  May Your love enfold us, may the faith of Jesus Christ direct our lives and the hope of the Holy Spirit guide us in Your peace.  Amen