The temperatures in North Texas have started getting consistently warmer again. I know we will still have a few cool evenings and mornings, but Springtime has arrived. As I was thinking about the warming trend and wanting it to get even warmer, I remembered the old Hot and Cold game. You hide something from someone and as they are searching for it you give them clues like, “You’re cold. Getting colder. Now you’re getting warmer. Hot. Hotter. You’re burning up!  You found it!”

Searching for something is easier when you have someone giving you hints and clues. But if you don’t listen to those helps, you may never find what you are seeking. This is especially true if you do not know exactly what you are seeking.

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:28–34)

This guy was getting warmer. Hotter. But He had not yet discovered the treasure. It was sitting right in front of him. Literally. The teachers of the law were consumed with the study of God’s Word for the purpose of understanding how to please God and be saved. And now the way to be saved was physically present in front of this guy. He was indeed not far from the kingdom of God. “You’re getting hotter!”

“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” (Luke 18:17)

When Jesus said those words He was explaining an important truth. Children are trusting. They will listen to the clues and hints that you give them to discover the treasure they seek. If you tell them they are getting colder, they will turn around rather than stubbornly thinking they know better – usually! Those who don’t listen will get farther away from what they need.

When Paul and Silas were unjustly imprisoned in Philippi, an earthquake shook the jail, loosing their chains and opening the doors. The jailer was about to kill himself, thinking the prisoners escaped. But Paul called out, “Don’t do it. We are still here.”  The jailer had heard them singing to God earlier and knew it was their teachings that put them in jail.

“He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:30–31)

God has given us all the clues and information we need. Believe that Jesus paid for your sins. Put your faith in Him, not yourself. You’ll keep getting warmer, closer, into the Kingdom, and avoid being hot for eternity in Hell. That is God’s gift to you in Christ.

You are my strength when I am weak.
You are the treasure that I seek.  You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool. You are my all in all.

Jesus Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.
Jesus Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.