SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN: “Treasured”

*DAILY BREAD: A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN*

Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries Department

*THEME: I WILL GO*

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Topic: Treasured!

“ _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_

Many of us have a box or drawer that we keep memorable things in—photographs that bring back fond memories, cards with kind and meaningful words written on them, gifts given by a loved one, or maybe a ribbon, or a pressed flower. What is in your treasure box?

The Israelites had a history of being conquered and plundered by neighboring nations. Whenever war broke out and the enemy advanced, farmers would hide their valuables in a field in case their house was raided. Often, sadly, the family was swept away by the invaders and their treasure remained hidden until someone might discover it years later—usually while plowing the field or digging for some other reason.

Jesus used that scenario as the backdrop for this parable about the kingdom in Matthew 13:44. And when the man found the treasure, Jesus said, “He hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought the field.”

So what is the value of the king¬dom? To the one who finds it, says Jesus, it is worth more than everything he or she has.

Now consider this: The kingdom of heaven’s value is your life, paid for by the life of Jesus. In his joy, upon finding the lost treasure that is you, Jesus went and sold all he had so that he could have you!

*Song*
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

*Refrain* :
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.
*Prayer*
Lord Jesus, thank you that you treasure me so much that you gave your life for mine. In your name, Amen.