Gtcotr/ss012118
The
treasure of God’s blessing on our life is found in the field of God’s will for
our life.
The continuing story
of the prodigal son: (Recap from last Sunday…He Recognized; Repented and
Returned)
Keep in mind that
life may not always be all about you … sometimes, God may need you to help Him
by being nice to others. Just a thought …
Luke
15 NKJV
25 "Now his older son was in the field. And
as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26 "So he called one of the servants and
asked what these things meant.
27 "And he said to him, ’Your brother has
come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed
the fatted calf.’
28 "But he was angry and would not go in.
Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.”
The older son was
angry and refused to go into the house and welcome his brother home. If we read
farther into the account we see that the older son becomes accusatory of both
his brother and his father. Although he was in the family, the older brother
was not in agreement with his father and therefore not in the house … he was
near the house but not in the house …
We can be in the
family technically and yet miss all comes from being in the house.
1.
There was joy in the house.
2.
There was meat in the house.
3.
Relationship was in the house.
4.
The father’s presence was in the house.
5.
The future of the family was in the house.
So many times people
who are in the family miss out on so much because they refuse to come into the
house and participate. They end up being angry and isolated not realizing the
joy, provision, relationship and the future they forfeit by staying just
outside. Whether in marriage, family, Church or career the true blessings
are on those who are in, not outside.
Matthew 13:44 Again, the
kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and
hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
The
treasure is the attraction but the field is the possession. If we want the
treasure we must buy the field. Whoever owns a field, owns its potential.
At
times we are attracted to the treasure without realizing that it only yields
its blessings and benefits to those who actively work the field.
There
are undiscovered treasures hidden in your fields. (Concealed; covered over; in
secret – unrevealed) Why let a stranger discover the treasure and buy the field?
Take another look … God wants to bless you.
It’s
the same principle the older brother experienced when he would not go into the
house. There was joy and provision and restored relationships and a better
future and the blessings of the Father available in the house. Look around, others
are enjoying what they have found and so could you. Don’t be like the older
brother: angry, unforgiving, bitter, pouting, fussy and alone … but, you’ll
have to work for the treasure … and it may not be easy.
It’s
not enough to chase the attractions of life without being committed. Being
married, for example, does not equal having a marriage. Being in business does
not equal success. Having a child does not equal being a parent. Success in
anything, including your relationship with Jesus, will cost you. A blessing is
something for which we may have paid a price but for which we did not bear the
cost. A blessing repays us more than just our investment. Others work hard to
contribute to the blessings we receive. When we won’t work with them we often
go without those blessings.
The cost of the treasure is not found in the price of the field.
If
you go to the store to purchase a bottle of olive oil you may find the price to
be $10. However, that price does not reflect the cost. If you want to know the
cost, you will need to go and ask the olive.
The
price we pay to have a family or a business or a Church or a Savior in no way
reflects the cost which others bear and the contribution they make. It’s easy
to start a family but it takes time and effort from everyone, including you, to
be a family. The price we pay to be a Christian, have a Bible and attend Church
pales in comparison to what it cost God to make those blessings available. Greater
blessings are always the result of us working in the fields God has given us.
Today we are going to be praying for:
·
Those of you who are on the outside and you
need to be on the inside.
·
Those who see others being blessed and having
a good time while you stand near the house but not in the house.
·
Those who own a field which you imagine holds
no treasure
The price paid for your life was a cost only
God could bear. Now, won’t you come inside enjoy the blessings God has for you …
·
Will you just stop for a moment and let go of
whoever or whatever went wrong with yesterday? Then realize …
·
It just may not always be all about you!
·
Quit looking at all the things that aren’t
like you like them and start praising God for the things which are.
·
You have been invited to a party … the Father
is in there … ask yourself why aren’t you comfortable …
·
Don’t become legalistic and hold out on God
and on the joy He wants to bring.
·
Don’t allow unforgiveness, bitterness or
anger or disagreements make you critical and keep you outside …
·
Jesus did the hard part … now He is pleading
with you to come on in and enjoy the blessings.
·
Just please the Father in your marriage,
money, family, business, community and Church. Don’t just
stand near … come on in!
