There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold;
If you have ever read or watched any historical documentaries on the settling of the American West, you have likely heard stories of the Gold Rush in California and Alaska and what people gave up and did in order to ‘Strike it Rich!’ You also may know that many more people lost money, or their lives, in the pursuit of this buried treasure than those that actually did come out ahead. The allure of getting something for nothing has not gone away, and there are still gold diggers around today, but instead of using gold pans, they are speculating in the markets, and more nefarious ones are using phishing emails, and computers to hack bank accounts and credit cards. We have all likely chased after something that we thought was going to make our day, and allow our ship to come in. Does that ever come true?
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. Matthew 13:44-46
This past month, I have been watching a short TV series called ‘The Curse of Oak Island’, which is a reality documentary about a group of guys trying to solve a mystery about buried treasure on an island off Nova Scotia, and spending lots of time and money in the process. The most interesting part of this show, to me, is that with all the ability and technology at their disposal, something created over 200 years ago still eludes them. It also shows what lengths people will attempt in order to track down a potential prize. I also saw this past week, that someone found a million-dollar treasure buried by an old, rich guy somewhere in the Rocky Mountains over ten years ago. If someone gave you clues on where to find a real-life buried treasure, would you take a chance to go find it?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Maybe you will agree that God put in the heart of all men, the desire to chase down that which most consumes us. That may be an animal we need to survive, a woman that catches our eye, or a job or ability to provide for our families. The truth is, there is a hidden treasure worth more than all the gold in California, or anywhere for that matter. Its not what or where most people would look for it though. Jesus talked a lot about the value of the things of this world compared to the value of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom anyone can enter if they go through the right door. Those of us who know and trust Christ as Lord know the value of this is immeasurable. It is even something you can share with others without giving up any of the treasure yourself. It is the best kind of treasure that never seems to end. Focus your time, attention, and money into this Kingdom, and you will not go away empty handed.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19
Yours in Christ,
Clark
