Treasure hunting ∙∙∙

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.”

The Tale of Hidden Treasure

In 1622, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha set sail for Spain, carrying an extraordinary cargo of gold, silver, and precious gems. Tragically, it encountered a ferocious hurricane near the coast of Key West and sank to the ocean floor. The immense worth of its treasure, now estimated at around $700 million in today’s currency, made the shipwreck legendary.

Centuries later, in 1985, treasure hunter Mel Fisher uncovered approximately $500 million worth of the Atocha’s lost riches just under 100 miles off the coast of Key West. Yet, a significant portion of this treasure still lies hidden, enticing treasure hunters even now. For millennia, the allure of treasure has motivated explorers and dreamers to scour the world for untold riches waiting to be unearthed.

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

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Jesus spoke of a treasure far more remarkable than earthly riches. He compared the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field that a person finds and hides.” Then, because of joy, he went and sold all that he had and bought the field.

This parable evokes a time when banks did not exist, and people often buried valuables in fields to safeguard them. Over time, some of these treasures were forgotten, only to be rediscovered accidentally. When such a treasure was found, almost any sacrifice would be made to gain possession of it.

The Parable of the Pearl

Jesus also spoke of another treasure in Matthew 13:45-46, saying, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.” When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Pearls were particularly prized in ancient times for their unmatched beauty and uniqueness. Unlike diamonds, emeralds, and other precious gems, pearls are indivisible entities that cannot be carved or shaped. They remain as nature created them, unalterable and perfect. In the parable, the merchant is akin to a modern-day diamond trader, tirelessly exploring the world for quality and value. Upon finding the magnificent pearl, he sacrifices all he owns just to possess it.

Untold riches and treasures surround us, yet we do little to seek and obtain them. What is the greatest treasure of all?

The Greatest Treasure of All

While humans diligently seek earthly treasures, the most fabulous and enduring riches are often overlooked. Only two things on Earth last forever: the human soul and the Word of God. The Father desires that the two meet, kiss, embrace, fall in love, and unite for all eternity. The Father, the Lord God Almighty, has entrusted humanity with the most profound treasure in existence, His eternal Word. Scripture is a storehouse of divine truth, waiting to be embraced and cherished.

David captured this beautifully in Psalms, expressing the enduring value of God’s Word:

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have treasured in my heart.”

Psalm 119:111: “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight.”

Like the treasure hidden in the field or the pearl of great price, God’s Word transforms the lives of those who find it. It is the most valuable gift we can receive, and it invites each of us to undertake the most meaningful search of all.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has scattered His wondrous treasures throughout our world. Don’t settle for less. Seek these treasures with all your heart, and you’ll find them.

Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of partaking in the pure milk of Your Word. I am so grateful for the people You’ve placed in my life who have fed me and satisfied my soul’s longing for Your Truth.

INSIGHT

The Priceless, Eternal Offer

The Father extends an astonishing offer to everyone. His priceless treasure is freely available to all who seek it. It comes without cost to us but holds eternal value.

Isaiah 55:1-3: “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! 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. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.”

This passage highlights a profound truth. The Father’s Word provides nourishment, delight, and love to all who receive it. But finding that nourishment requires seeking and cultivating a hunger for His truth.

Crave Pure Spiritual Nourishment

Newborns instinctively cry out for nourishment, and so must those who are reborn spiritually. When we experience a spiritual rebirth, we initially yearn for the nourishment offered by the Word of God. We are born again into this world with a deep hunger and a desperate need. Sadly, many souls are not provided the pure nourishment they require. They are deprived of the pure spiritual food they need and instead are fed substitutes, spiritual junk food that leaves them spiritually empty. What a tragedy!

1 Peter 2:2 reminds us, “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.”

This desire for the Word of God is crucial, as it fosters spiritual growth and helps us fully realize the Father’s plans for us. The question remains, then, what value do we place on this nourishment? How do we honor what is priceless and eternal? Each child of the King must grapple with this conundrum.

The Concept of A “Good Trade”

Throughout history, cultures without a monetary system relied on bartering to exchange goods. The Sioux Indians were known for bartering in their communities, as shown in the movie “Dances with Wolves,” where trades like a vest for a military coat or a knife for a hat were considered a “Good Trade.”

Similarly, God has placed guides and teachers among His people (John 21:17). These individuals are responsible for feeding His sheep and helping others find the invaluable treasures hidden in His Word. When we benefit spiritually from these guides, the principle of a “Good Trade” applies. We are called to give back in gratitude, supporting those who nurture our souls.

Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 6:6: “Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing with them all good things.” He reiterates this principle in 1 Corinthians 9:11: “Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to reap material things from you?”

This trade is not about obligation but about joy. When we give because we’ve received, we mirror the Father’s boundless generosity and step into a beautiful cycle of divine blessings. As you reap spiritual rewards from your treasure guides, pause and reflect on what constitutes an appropriate “Good Trade.”

Giving with a Cheerful Heart

Paul also reminds us of the spirit in which such giving should occur. It must spring from a willing heart, not reluctance or pressure.

2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each of you must decide in your heart how much to give.” And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a cheerful giver.”

The Greek word for cheerful is hilaros, which denotes both “joy” and “gladness.” It is the root of the English word “hilarious.” This connotation suggests that giving to others out of gratitude for spiritual blessings should bring genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Reflect and Respond

Isaiah 55:2 poses a profound question: “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?”

This question challenges us to reassess our priorities. Are we seeking the treasures that nourish our souls and last for eternity, or are we settling for things that fade and fail to satisfy? Are we making “Good Trades?”

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© Dr. H 2025