Falling Into the Arms of God - Part 2

Yesterday we talked about the first step to “falling into the arms of God” being still before Him. Today, the second step we must practice is worship and adoring Him daily. A. W. Tozer said, “We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God.” We are all preoccupied with many things, our jobs, our families, and our futures – all of these very compelling and important facets of our lives. However, if we desire to know the peace of God we must develop a singular preoccupation in worship and adoration of Him. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44 ESV). When Jesus drifted just a bit away from the north shore of the Sea of Galilee to take advantage of the natural acoustics to teach the vast number of people gathered before Him, he used and incredible illustration of a man and a hidden treasure. In their agriculturally based society, it was very common to see a man plowing a field with his oxen. Slowly plodding behind the ox, turning the earth furrow after furrow, each hour faded into the next without any interruption of change. It was no more than just another long day of labor in the weary rhythm of time. Until, suddenly, the ox stops ands labors under the increased effort necessary to move another step. The young day laborer drives his plowshare deeper and urges his ox forward with his voice and a firm prodding from his goad. Yet, the plow will not budge. He pushes it aside and begins to pull the dry earth with his bare hands. At last, he uncovers a handle. Further he digs until he finds a large earthen pot. Excited he lifts the lid. He is stunned! It is full to the rim with gold and silver coins. There are jewels mixed in the newfound treasure. He cannot believe his find. He lifts his hands letting the coins and jewels slip through his fingers back into the pot. Then, as if jolted with electricity, he realizes someone might be watching. He turns to the left and the right, seeing no one; he quickly buries the jar and marks its exact location with a stone. A single thought consumes him. He must have that field! As a day laborer it is impossible for him to take possession of the buried treasure. Where could he possibly get the money to buy the field? With no thought for anything but the treasure, he sells everything he owns. He sells his house, his sheep, his ox, and his plow. He turns to his relatives, friends, and acquaintances and borrows everything they will loan him. The owner is delighted at the price he offers and gladly sells the land. Those who know the young laborer ridicule him. His wife cannot understand the sudden break with sanity. Some even whisper, “He’s been out in the sun too long without a hat!” But he knows… he really knows the truth. He’s been there and seen the treasure. And, now he possesses it. Once others being to se the treasure in his possession, they congratulate him. Some even envy him. All of this simply because he had a passion for his newfound treasure. How many of us have missed the wonder of the treasure of Christ, simply because we were to preoccupied with other things to pursue Him? Someone has said, “The wind of God is always blowing, but you must hoist your sail.” That is accomplished through worship and adoration! Begin today with the reading of Psalm 100.