The Kingdom of Heaven is ever-present. Hence, it is always available to be experienced. Then why doesn't it seem more evident? Because it is not appreciable to sick and sinful mortal thought. Then how does one perceive and gain the Kingdom of Heaven? Two of Christ Jesus' parables in particular, juxtaposed in Matthew 13: 44-46, answer that question: the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price.
It is perhaps worth noting that the man who stumbles on the treasure in the field does not simply sneak off with it, but re-burys (the KJV says hides) it. Then he sells all that he has and buys the field. No doubt many men and women desire the Kingdom of Heaven, but only if they can get it on the cheap. It apparently isn't worth to them "all that they have".
What does it mean to sell all that one has and buy it, since it is certain the Kingdom of Heaven cannot be bought with money? Here J. R. Dummelow's Commentary is most helpful. "Their teaching [those two parables] is that it is not enough to be outwardly a Christian or to be under Christian influences. The true Christian must be inwardly convinced that his religion is the most precious of all things." To buy the field the man "sells all that he has, i.e. gives up all that can hinder him in his quest . . . ." To buy the pearl of great price the merchant "Selleth all that he hath] i.e. gives up every sin or self-indulgence which hinders him from giving himself wholeheartedly to Christ."
"Christian Science may be sold in the shambles. Many are bidding for it,--but are not willing to pay the price." (Mis. 269: 25-26) "Seek Truth, and pursue it. It should cost you something: you are willing to pay for error and receive nothing in return; but if you pay the price of Truth, you shall receive all." (Mis. 342: 24-27)
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22 comments:
Simply marvelous blog post! You've outdone yourself in this one, in my view.
Thanks for inspiring me today...
Really do love your website. And this one especially uplifting. Starting off in the first para. with Jesus' parables is a winner for sure.
Thanks!
Happy Sunday to you blogger,
You've certainly added much to my day. This is so well worth the read, and I thank you for posting it.
I think there's no work higher than using our talents for Christ, and I see you've discovered this. If I had known more CS's like you, wouldn't have left the organization. Been reading your blog some time now.
Thanks and God bless,
An arresting title, and appreciate the way you've told it like it is. Following in our Lord's steps is not easy--but it is the only way to do. And so rewarding, even at this stage of things.
Bless you, whoever you are, for keeping us in inspiring blog posts. Always enjoy reading what you share.
Keep it up, will you?
Certainly Jesus didn't pull any punches, nor does our Leader in what she gives us. Love the quotation from her you end with.
Very helpful posting.
Several points you make are very helpful to me, and I'm sure to other of your readers. Love that thought, especially, that our religion must be precious to us. We must be willing to do whatever it takes to live in accord with what Christ Jesus taught, which is, after all, only what God gave him to give the world.
You have a fine website here, and I'm glad someone put me on to you. Always a treat to read your blog posts.
Really like the way you begin this essay, the kingdom of God is here right now. How comforting this is, and Christian Science is making it possible for me to realize this more and more.
I thank you,
Wish we had things this fresh and expertly written in the periodicals. But we have your blog, and I'm thankful for all you are giving out.
Goodmorning to you,
Thanks for an uplifting message. While I did enjoy the witty postings skewering CSBD (they deserved every bit of it!), think I prefer your latest. They seem to me to be on a higher plane somehow.
Keep up the fine work,
A pleasure reading such a well-written piece this morning. You are such a clear thinker about CS issues, and I'm sure you are helping many out here.
Kudos from Wisconsin,
Really enjoy tuning into your website to see what you've come up with. You do this so well!
An inspiring entry, this. Thanks for continuing to give the Field top-flight blog posts.
Best to you,
Your excellent entry calls to my thought these words from Mary Baker Eddy in Prose Works:
"What is the kingdom of heaven? The abode of Spirit, the realm of the real. No matter is there, no night is there -- nothing that maketh or worketh a lie. Is this kingdom afar off? No; it is ever-present, here."
Well done, author of this blog. (When will you tell us who you are?)
Anyway, always get a lift from reading your postings, and I congratulate you upon passing the 100 mark.
Afternoon,
To pick up our Leader's words, you are certainly a "thinker" who is "performing the natural functions of being."
We need more like you!
Just realized I didn't document my comment. It's found on page 387 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" -- the textbook of Christian Science.
Oh, is there anything more important in this life than giving ourselves wholly to Christ! Thanks for a very uplifting message, and do keep them coming.
Like almost all the blog posts I've read on your site, and this one is particularly good, I think. It's so refreshing to see a CS thinker. And expert writer.
Thanks,
Thanks, blogger, for continuing to carry out your God-given purpose.
All the best to you in your endeavor,
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