A pirate captain’s main goal is to seek treasure. He will do whatever it takes, for however long it takes, to find that treasure. Nothing and no one will stand in his way. It’s the first thing on his mind each morning and the last thing each night. The hunt for riches totally consumes him and his crew. Such passion, such devotion! We can learn a lesson from these treasure-seeking pirates.
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. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it (Matthew 13:44–46 NIV).
A pirate’s treasure is very valuable, yet in worldly pleasures only. Its beauty and appeal are fleeting, here one day and gone the next. Once it is spent, the pirate and his crew are back out searching for more.
But there is a treasure more valuable than anything we can find on earth! And this kind of treasure never runs out, never crumbles or fades. It is eternal. It is the treasure of Jesus. The treasure of eternal life! Yet, how many people spend any time or effort seeking out this great treasure? How many people would give up everything to obtain it?
Now, we all come to Christ in one of two ways. We are either brought to Him or we seek Him out. I believe that I fall into the category of “brought to Him.” Because I was raised by a Christian parent who taught me all about Christ, and I attended church regularly, I did not need to go searching for Him. Yet, others, who were not fortunate enough to be raised by a Christian parent, have to seek Him out in order to find Him.
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2–3 NIV).
If you were told there was a treasure that gave you eternal life, what would you give up to find it? Pirates gave up their time, their energies, their comforts. They fought bloody battles and risked their lives for treasure that perished. What are you willing to give up for eternal treasure? Are you willing to give up your time, your energy, your belongings not just to find Jesus, but to follow Him? Jesus said in Matthew 16:24:
If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
Just like those determined pirates, I encourage you to seek out God’s Kingdom and receive His treasure.
Debbie Mitchell