Treasure Hunters

The fear of the LORD

is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD

are sure and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.
[Ps 19:9-10]

As I was watching National Treasure this evening I really admired the tenacity and determination of Ben Gates to find untold treasure. It convicted me that I should take the same approach in searching God’s Word. There is such treasure buried in that sacred text. Treasure of far greater value than gold or silver or the rarest of gems.

How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to choose understanding rather than silver!
[Pv 16:16]

My son, if you accept my words

and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
[Pv 2:1-5]

Because I love your commands

more than gold,

more than pure gold,
[Ps 119:127]

Time in God’s Book reaps incredible findings beyond what is read on the pages. It brings God’s voice into my awareness and through the working of the Holy Spirit reveals what is buried deep within my heart. Those hidden flaws that I’m not even aware of, acknowledge, recognize or understand. They are sifted to the surface and brought into the light. Applying what is read turns the revealed into something of value and makes use of that which was previously unreachable.

Shouldn’t the same fervor be generated in finding these riches? Ben Gates believed what most of the others did not. He pursued his quest with such zeal. He never would have discovered what was hidden unless he set out to find it. The same for the two men Jesus used as an example in the following parables. Jesus taught that the things of God should be our mission and that there is nothing worth having more than the kingdom of heaven.

"The kingdom of heaven

is like treasure hidden in a field.
When a man found it, he hid it again,
and then in his joy
went and sold all he had and bought that field.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven

is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.

When he found one of great value,

he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
[Mt 13:44-46]

Triune God; You are the greatest of all treasure and Your Word more valuable than worldly riches. I hunger for Your truth. Build in me an intensity of focus that is God-honoring and transforming and desired above all else.

The LORD is exalted,

for he dwells on high;

he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,

a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;

the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
[Is 33:5-6]