Neville Turley

“The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44 (GNT)

One thinks of treasure as gold, diamonds and precious jewels, but treasure does not have to have a mineral worth to be valuable.  The Bible says that a capable wife is worth far more than jewels (Proverbs 31:10).  Jesus taught that the most valuable treasure of all is the kingdom of heaven and it is within our grasp. 

David Livingstone, the great missionary and explorer, realised the value of the treasures in the kingdom of heaven at the age of 20.  He wrote in his journal, “I saw the duty and inestimable privilege immediately to accept salvation by Christ… It is my desire to show my attachment to the cause of Him who died for me by henceforth devoting my life to his service.” (www.wholesomewords.org)

David Livingstone was born in Scotland in 1813 to a disadvantaged family.  At 10, he began to work at the local cotton mill.  His daily shift was fourteen hours, after which he received schooling for two hours.  When David discovered the treasure of the kingdom his whole life changed.  He intensified his studies and qualified as a medical missionary, after which he set off to Africa.

Despite ill-health he undertook expedition after expedition, exploring the continent and reaching out with this Bible and his medicine chest to its people until his death in 1873.

Today his body lies among kings and heroes in Westminster Abbey in London.  His heart however, is buried in Africa where he made known the good news of the gospel, and in so doing, brought much glory to God.

Prayer:  Almighty God thank you for the infinite riches we have in our Lord Jesus Christ.  May the Holy Spirit show us how best to share the treasures of the kingdom of heaven with those around us.  Amen