Treasure hunting ∙

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Treasure hunting ∙

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. – Psalms 119:111

Matthew 13:44-46

 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

In 1622, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha was heading back to Spain. It was caught in a hurricane off the coast of Key West. It carried an enormous cargo of gold, silver, and gems that are valued at $700 million today.

Much of the treasure has already been found. In 1985, treasure hunter Mel Fisher found $500 million of the buried treasure less than 100 miles off the coast of Key West. A considerable amount of this treasure remains to be found.

The quest for treasure has motivated treasure hunters for thousands of years. Untold riches await.

Searching for treasure is one thing, but actually finding it is something else. If you were to find a treasure of great worth, what would you do?

Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field.

In the ancient world, modern-day banks did not exist. Valuable coins or jewels were often buried in jars. For one reason or another they were forgotten and left behind to later be discovered. Many such discoveries have been found “accidentally” by folks merely stumbling around or digging in a field. The focus of this parable is the supreme value of the hidden treasure which is found. Almost any sacrifice would be made to acquire the field in which it was found to obtain it.

Which of us would not do the same thing?

Matthew 13:45-46

 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.

 46 When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.

Pearls, lovely and beautiful pearls, have a very special place in people’s hearts. In the ancient world, pearls were highly valued for their great beauty. People found great pleasure in just handling them and contemplating them. Unlike diamonds, emeralds, or other precious gems, a pearl is an undivided unity that cannot be carved or shaped.

The merchant in the parable is like a modern-day diamond trader who scours the world looking for quality and value at the best price. The spotlight is focused on the value of what is found. When the merchant discovered this beautiful pearl, what did he do? He sacrificed everything he had to acquire this magnificent treasure.

Untold riches and treasures are all about us. Yet we do next to nothing to search and acquire them. What is the greatest treasure of all?

There are only two things on the planet Earth that last forever: human souls and the Word of God. The Father intends that the two meet, kiss, embrace, fall in love, and unite for all eternity. The Father, the Lord God Almighty, has entrusted the people of planet Earth with the greatest of all treasures, His eternal truth, in His eternal Word.

Psalms 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart.

Psalms 119:111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has sprinkled our world with great treasure. Do not settle for less. Search for it with all your heart and you will find it.

Father what a privilege to partake of the pure milk of Your Word. Thank You for bringing people into my life who could feed me and satisfy the deep longing of my heart for truth.

INSIGHT

The Father makes an amazing offer – His treasure without cost.

Isaiah 55:1-3

 1 Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it’s all free!

 2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.

 3 Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.

Delighting in, loving, and being nourished to the depths of our souls is an acquired taste. We are born again with an initial intense longing for the nourishment that the Father’s Word provides. We are born hungry, in desperate need. Sadly, many souls are not offered pure milk. They are not nourished and satisfied. They receive instead man-made alternatives.  Spiritual junk food if you will. What a tragedy!

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,

Who can put a price on what is priceless and of eternal value? That is a question each child of the King pass has to work out for themselves with The Father.

In the movie, Dances with Wolves, the Sioux Indians had no money. So instead they would barter. Twice in the movie bartering was done: a vest for a military officer’s coat and a knife for or a hat. In each case, the transaction was called a “Good Trade.”

The Father has placed treasure guides among His people. Their responsibility is to feed His sheep (John 21:17). When one partakes of His treasure, how should they respond? What “Good Trade” can be made?

The Father God intended for there to be an exchange. The biblical principle is clear, if we benefit from those who teach the Word and nurture our spiritual life, we should make “Good Trade” and benefit that person in return. Down through the millennia, children of the King have bartered with those who have contributed to their spiritual well-being.

Each of His children has to work this out in their own mind. What is an appropriate “Good Trade?” Paul provided some guiding principles.

Galatians 6:6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?

To the degree you are benefited spiritually, you need to consider an appropriate “Good Trade.” This is not compulsory, but it indeed often produces great joy.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The Greek word translated cheerful is hilaros it connotes cheerful, joyous; a happy, glad or cheerful state of mind. The English word “hilarious” is derived from hilaros.

What is your answer to Isaiah’s question?

Isaiah 55:2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?

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