Scripture
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

Observation
Jesus tells us to understand that it is the Father's pleasure to give us the kingdom. Therefore we must sell our possessions and instead seek heavenly treasure which no thief can steal. Where our treasure is there will be our heart.

We are to be ready for Jesus' return. We must be watching, prepared to serve Jesus. If we are ready to serve, at any time of the day or night, for we do not know when the Son of Man will return.

Application
Following Jesus means an entirely new set of priorities and goals in our lives. We are servants of the Kingdom, not servants of ourselves.

Rather than accumulating goods to ease this life we must seek heavenly treasures which will last for eternity. Instead of pursing our own desires we must be ever alert to what the Lord is calling us to do.

All of this runs against our own sinful nature which wants us to pamper ourselves and pursue our own dreams. It also runs against the culture which urges us to get ahead in this life and ignore eternal life.

We must remember Paul's words- we are not our own, we were bought at a price- the life of God's own Son.

Prayer
Father, when I am tempted to do my own thing contrary to your will, please help me to set my eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of my faith. May I be found faithful to you in all things. Amen