ODJ: Single-Eyed Focus

April 12, 2016 

READ: Matthew 13:44-46 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field (v.44).

Luciano Faggiano bought a building to house his new restaurant venture. Unfortunately, sewage kept backing up through a toilet. So he and his sons began digging a trench in order to find the broken sewage pipe. After a week, they couldn’t find the problem. Frustration with the project quickly turned into excitement, however, when they unearthed an archaeological treasure. The men discovered an underground world of rooms, including tombs, a Franciscan chapel, and many other artifacts—some that predated Jesus. Oh, and eventually they did manage to fix the broken sewage pipe!

This story reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure found in Matthew 13. In the parable, a man discovers a hidden treasure in a field, buries it again, and then sells everything in order to purchase the field (v.44). Faggiano was determined to find the sewage pipe, but after he found treasure, he put all of his energy into searching for more. It took time and concentration. It was his priority.

After telling the tale of the hidden treasure, Jesus then shared this parable: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (vv.45—46).

The man who found the treasure in a field and the pearl merchant provide examples of what it means for us to seek Jesus and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). We’re to be singleeyed, passionately loving Him and pouring out His love on others. That focus will determine our priorities. It will take time, energy, and concentration—all that we are.

God loves us with a single—eyed, perfect love. May we return that love with our own!

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: 1 Kings 1:28-53

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Read Luke 9:51. It says that Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Think about the implications of Jesus’ resolution to be obedient. What implications did that have for Him? 
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In what areas of your life do you need to “sell all,” to be resolute in seeking the kingdom? How does God’s love for you inspire your love for Him?