The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Matthew 13:44

 I’ve always wondered why this guy just didn’t drop his shovel, grab the treasure and run like crazy. I mean think about it: lying at his feet is the treasure of a lifetime. One would think that he would at least be tempted to take the goods and make a quick getaway. But he doesn’t. He carefully reburies the treasure, goes off to sell his possessions, and then buys the treasure-laden field. It’s all legal and above board.

So the obvious question is “Why?” Why did the man rationally sell his goods so he could by the entire field, when all he really wanted was the treasure? Simple—the treasure was just too big. This man didn’t discover a pouch full of gold coins; he discovered boxes and chests and suitcases full of pouches of gold coins. There was no way he could just tuck it under his robe and run. The treasure was so significant that the only way he could gain access to its wealth was to bet the proverbial farm and buy the field. Only then would he have access to the treasure.

That’s what Jesus is trying to teach us about his kingdom. With him, it’s all or nothing. There’s no absconding away with only a small part; say, enough to fit in your pocket. There are no free samples. The Kingdom does not offer test drives, prenuptials or money-back guarantees. There’s no sticking a toe in the water or getting a one- day pass. If you want to experience God’s Kingdom you’ve got to buy the field.  Now, before you get all huffy and decide that God is too rigid about this whole Kingdom thing, remember that we are talking about a Kingdom. That implies that there is a king. This is not a flea market, an outlet mall, or a democracy. We are neither customers nor registered voters. The only way any of us has any access is through the blood of Jesus. And when the Son of God has shed his royal blood to redeem us from sin, samples, trial runs and money-back guarantees aren’t necessary. The value of what’s being offered has already been proven.

So wake up and sell the farm! Go for it totally and completely with Jesus. The only way to experience God’s Kingdom in your life is to sell out and move in. Anything less will miss the Kingdom entirely. It’s simply too big to fit in your pocket.