Heaven's Offering
“Buy the truth, and sell it not;
also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding (Prov. 23:23).”
What wonderful powerful advice this
proverb offers - true and sure means for Christian entrance, development, and
building "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Jesus
Christ (Eph. 4:14)."
We know that salvation is a
free gift through faith by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8; Is. 55:1).
So I am not speaking about attempting to be saved
by (legalistic) works under the law here.
What is being referred to is what one must suffer
and
sacrifice to follow the Lord and experience sound sure growth in Him, which
results in far greater measure of reward (II Cor. 4:17):
“If we suffer, we shall also
reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us (II Tim. 2:12).”
So we learn certain of the
keys to follow him by pressing forward and consciously letting go of those
personal areas which can only serve to impede our progress and development.
“And
he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow me (Lk. 9:23).”
“So likewise, whosoever he be of
you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Lk. 14:33).”
But how are we to
"purchase" intangible wonders which no one is supposed to sell?
As we follow after, we understand by faith that
they reside and can only be found in and through the Father (Col. 2:3):
“But where
shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it
found in the land of the living (Job 28:12-13).
“God understandeth the way
thereof and he knoweth the place thereof (Job 28:23).”
So in our entrance and development, we are not to “sell” what has been
granted as can be seen in the parable of the sower:
“But he that received the seed
into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy
receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: For when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
(Mt. 13: 21-22).”
The above illustrates a situation where
a soul did not forsake all and place Christ first and foremost.
Our Lord asks for, deserves, and accepts no less.
Otherwise
a soul will end up selling what was gained; how exceptionally costly (Ps.
49:8).
We are not ever to deny our only means of ransom and
rescue in this land and time, but uphold the banner because of truth (Ps. 60:4).
When we are willing to fully yield ourselves
over to His direction and will, we receive bountifully good and pleasant
fulfillment in our souls, hearts and minds.
This is the real and actual wealth and peace in
life.