Moment in the Word

Matthew 13:44 - "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.
"To be found and then hidden again," is a strange statement for us to understand, but St. Paul helps by explaining that we are sealed for glory prior to being fully redeemed, " ... you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14)
 
 Today, my thoughts returned to a happy time when I was only nine years old. Our church welcomed a new pastor and his young family (respecting their privacy, names are withheld). The minister was very gifted, and his wife's contribution was equally important. Fondly, I remember her devoted service as my Sunday School teacher. Then later during my teen years, the precious lady was my youth leader. Thanks to her influence, many of my doctrinal views were set early in life. Consequently, you can imagine my sadness when I recently learned of her death.
 
 Here is a perfect example of the treasure that was found and then hidden away until the field could be purchased in full.
 
With great assurance, Isaiah said, "The dead shall rise, and they that are in the tombs shall be raised, and they that are in the earth shall rejoice: for the dew from thee is healing to them: but the land of the ungodly shall perish. 20 - Go, my people, enter into thy closets, shut thy door, hide thyself for a little season, until the anger of the Lord have passed away. 21 - For, behold, the Lord is bringing wrath from his holy place upon the dwellers on the earth: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall not cover her slain." (Isaiah 26:19-21, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint)
 
Obviously, since the prophet referred to the Resurrection, we understand that the subsequent "closet" must be a metaphor portraying the grave as a temporary hiding place until God's wrath passes.
 
From the time when the new pastor and his young family arrived at my childhood church until now, this world has grievously changed in unimaginable ways. Thus, God's retribution is coming in such severity that John wrote, "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!' 'Yes indeed!' answers the Spirit. 'They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.'" Revelation 14:13 - These will be the days when those individuals in the closet, i.e., the grave, can rest safely hidden from God's wrath until the glorious Resurrection.
 
 Returning to our original text in Matthew 13:44, here is the secret of the "treasure that was discovered and then hidden away." Jesus has not taken ownership of this field yet - our world. But after the Day of God's Wrath when the Kingdom is completely His, our closet doors will burst wide open and we will escape our graves as God's priceless treasure - the spotless Bride of Christ. Praise God!
 
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
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