Treasure
In the 1981 movie Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, a college Professor, nick named Indiana Jones hears of concrete proof that the Ark of the Covenant and other religious artifacts may be in a certain region. He leaves his teaching post of travel much of the world in search of this treasure. He encounters near death at every turn. Bad guys wanting to stop him, snakes, a vengeful girlfriend…. What makes a man go through all of this for a “treasure”? What is a treasure? We think of chests full of jewels and gold or silver. Something of great value. The dictionary said that treasure is a concentration of wealth. When we “treasure” something, we hold it as precious. We care for it and make sure that no one takes it away from us or damages it.
The Bible is full of verses about treasure. Many of them talk about the fact that WE are God’s treasure. I love that thought. Before I was saved, He sought me like a treasure. Since I surrendered to Him, He has held me close like a precious jewel. The Bible tells us not to store up treasures on earth, they will not last, somethings turn to rust, some just decay. The only thing of value is what we do for the Lord.
Recently, we had our 4th Helmar Palooza. The quick estimate was between 5,000 and 6,000 people were there. I am amazed that this little church in the country can pull off such an awesome event, and it was flawless. The committees really knew what they were doing and worked hard. My point is, this church is very generous and this event is an example of not storing up treasures, but spreading them to further the work of heaven. We may never hear who or how many accepted or recommitted their lives to Christ that evening. Or how many left thinking seriously about making the commitment. Those seeds were planted. We don’t always get to see the harvest.
If you want an adventure today, look for a treasure map. I don’t mean a literal map with an X on it, I mean your Bible. The words in that book are truly a treasure for us to cherish. One day, I believe we may lose the right to own a Bible. Read it now and treasure all those words in your heart.
Matthew 12:35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Deuteronomy 7:6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you;
Lord, help us today to spend time in your word, as that is the treasure that will last. The treasure that pays dividends. Thank you for the promise of heaven where our real treasure is. Amen.
Shirlene Peterson