The answer is found in the comparison of Matthew 13:44-46 and Matthew 18: 21. The first is the parable of the field with the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great prize. Seeing and knowing the incomparable value of the field and the pearl, the person sells everything they have in order to gain the prize. The next passage is the story of the rich young ruler, who when asked to sell everything could not and would not do so. The difference? One like Paul was able to see the “surpassing value of Jesus” (Phil. 3:8). The other was not. When we see the surpassing value of Jesus, we see him as the “one thing that is necessary” (Luke 10:42). So this takes us back to what has been said above. It’s not only that I can see and encounter Jesus in the scriptures but its that there is an urgency to this. If I am not, then I will most likely settle for something far less than what Jesus has offered. I will settle for outter courts living. I will drink old wine and say, “it’s enough.”
Rick Schaeffer born in Long Beach, California, is a church planter-trainer, discipler, and he works with his hands (redoing houses/painting/etc). His favorite movie is Lord of the Rings, his favorite smell is a steak being smoked, his first job was painting houses, and when not engaged in Spiritual disciplines he enjoys to do almost anything if its with his wife Katie or their boys (2 sets of twins).
You can listen to some of Rick's teaching on "Seizing what God has Promised and Made Available" here.
