Memory Verse: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“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.” Mother was reading from Matthew 13:44. She explained to her children its lovely meaning—that the Lord Jesus had considered us as “treasure” even though we were sinners. He gave His life so He could “purchase” the world and save His people. The story, she explained, could be easily understood by the Jews of that day, for there was a real chance of finding treasure buried years before by men who had gone off to wars and had not returned to claim them.
Casey, age seven, opened his eyes wide as the word “treasure” was discussed. Instead of listening to the story’s meaning, he began wondering... could there possibly be some treasure buried in his own backyard? He decided to find out!
Now, do you think he found any buried treasure in his backyard? Of course not! Poor Casey! He was setting his heart on foolish things—buried coins—to buy toys, maybe, but especially those luscious fat donuts from the bakery wagon.
The next morning everyone was hurrying to get off to school. Suddenly Mother cried out, “My change! Children, I had plenty of coins in my purse for your lunch money, and it’s all gone! Come here, every one of you!”
Casey was the last to appear and just did not act quite right. After a few straightforward questions he wilted into Mother’s apron. “I only wanted to dig up buried treasure!” he cried. Sadly, he led her to the backyard where all of the money was found neatly buried.
“Oh, Casey,” Mother said softly. “Do you realize you have acted out a true saying from the Bible, God’s Word? ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Tim. 6:10). It caused you to ‘covet’ or want what you had no right to take, and to sin further by taking it and then trying to hide your sin. We must talk later about real treasure, the kind that won’t get you into trouble. Now quickly run to your room and confess this to the Lord Jesus.” ("If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.)
The treasures of earth lead many to the lake of fire. Make sure that you have found the Source of the real riches—Jesus, the Son of God. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. “Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17. Then you can begin to lay up treasure in heaven. Every kindness or service for Jesus’ sake will be added to your account there. Best of all, you will be happy in the joy of giving, just like the Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
ML-09/18/1983