Sharing what we know

What do we do with what we have received?

This is the question that will be asked of us when the day of judgment comes. And I think that’s partially, at least, what Jesus was telling his disciples here.

First, he asks, “Do you understand these things? Do you understand all I have said about God’s kingdom?”

When his disciples said yes, he told them,

Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. (Matthew 13:52)

I take from this two things.

First, knowledge of the kingdom of heaven is a treasure. It is not to be taken lightly or treated with disdain.

Second, we are to bring these treasures out to meet the needs we face, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us.

We have a treasure in the knowledge of the kingdom.

We have treasure in knowing that God sees each person as a valuable pearl of great price, so much so, that he gave up everything in order to purchase them.

We have a treasure in knowing that the evil that we see will not last. It will be purged, and all evil will be judged.

We have treasure in knowing that God is working in this world even now, and that though the seeds he has planted are small, and though we cannot totally understand how, they will inevitably grow and cannot be stopped.

And they will bring joy and peace to all who take shelter under the work he has done and is doing.

Some of these things will be old news to those who hear, but to some, it will be completely new.

But as we see the people in this world, a people crying for love, a people crying for purpose and meaning, let us bring out these treasures of the kingdom. For only in doing so will their spiritual hunger and thirst be satisfied.

Just as importantly, however, God will hold us accountable for the knowledge that he’s given us.

And he will ask you, “What have you done with what I’ve taught you? Have you shared it with those who are dying around you?”

What are you doing with the treasures God has given you?