Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the abundance of counselors, there is safety.” I guess I’m seeking this blog to be safe, because I have asked and will continue to ask others to contribute to its content. So, over the course of this platform’s life, you will find articles from fellow pastors, ministry workers, and friends of mine–starting today.

Today’s article is brought to you by a friend of mine, Pastor Mark Howard. He is the pastor at West Valley Presbyterian Church in Alburtis, PA. Have a read:

Matthew 13:44-46 
44 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. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

In 1622, a fleet of Spanish ships battled a hurricane just off the coast of Florida and lost. One of those ships was carrying a precious cargo of copper, silver, gold, tobacco, gems, and jewelry. The wreck, along with its treasure, remained buried until 1985, when treasure hunter Mel Fisher found it after years of searching. So far, the spoils have reached about $450 million dollars—and they’re not done yet! For a fee, Fisher’s family will still take you on a dive and let you take home “up to $3000 in authentic shipwreck treasure.”

In Matthew 13 we've seen a number of unexpected things about the advance of Christ's Kingdom. It advances through unexpected methods, meets with unexpected responses, follows unexpected timing and sees unexpected growth. In this parable we discover its unexpected VALUE. While Christ might be disparaged and downplayed by the world, he is infinitely valuable and worth giving everything for. This becomes clear as you consider two things these short parables both teach us. Firstly, there is the astonishing discovery. Secondly, this leads to an all-encompassing decision.

The Astonishing Discovery

The turning point of each of these parables is an amazing find. Each is about a man going about his business when he discovers something unexpected but infinitely valuable. This points to the astonishing discovery at the heart of the Christian faith. By his grace, each of us has 'stumbled upon' the fact that God, in his great love, sent his only Son into the world to rescue us from sin and death. On its surface there is nothing obviously appealing about the Christian faith. The cross is a stumbling block for the Jews and folly to the Gentiles. But to us it is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great worth! Mel Fisher's discovery has nothing on the infinite value of eternal life with Christ.

 Notice the slight difference between the two parables. In the first, the man wasn't looking for treasure but found it accidentally. In the second, the merchant is a seeker. This captures the diversity of testimonies among the saints. What all Christians have in common is the same, astonishing discovery about the value of Jesus, no matter how the Lord led them to this.

The All-Encompassing Decision

Having made his discovery, each man goes, sells everything he has and buys it. Here is the point: when we recognize Jesus for who he is, that MUST lead to a radical response. To enter his kingdom, we need to renounce any other, lesser allegiance. In fact, the degree to which we grasp the VALUE of Christ will be to the degree we acknowledge his Lordship over everything. We can't compartmentalize. Our personal life, our family life, our work life, our church life -  all belongs to him.  In just a few chapters, Jesus says this “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Does OUR response to Jesus demonstrate that we have come to grasp his true value? And does a deep conviction about the value of Christ shape the way we communicate the gospel to others? If we are convinced that he is the greatest treasure, we won't hesitate to call people to follow him. The empty promises of materialism, an LGBTQ+ lifestyle, the praise of men, whatever it is - these things have NOTHING on the priceless treasure of the only Lord and Savior.

 Ask the Lord to help you and our congregation grasp afresh the unexpected value of Christ. Ask him to move us further along the all-encompassing pathway of discipleship. This includes sharing the hidden treasure and precious pearl of Christ with our friends and family and neighbors. What is there to lose? We already have the most valuable thing imaginable!

Your Servant in the Lord,

Mark Howard