True Treasure

We fancied ourselves clever, witty explorers roaming the galaxy in search of its most priceless treasures. Our current location was trying our perceptions of ourselves. This planet’s underground network of tunnels was dark, steep, and narrow. Sometimes we had to crawl on our bellies; sometimes ropes around our waists were the only threads dangling us over a plunge into the darkness. We were tired, sooty, out of quips, and feeling very claustrophobic. Our alien guide fared better: she had a spine like an earth-ferret’s, and we privately joked that she was made of elastic rather than bone. Her ancestors had lived deep underground, driven here by invaders until the invaders were later themselves driven back out. Decades later, these tunnels were perilous. The elements had caused the earth to shift. The treasures hidden by the people of this planet from the invadershidden too wellwould soon be lost forever to a cave-in. Only the brave (or the foolish) would attempt this and risk getting trapped, their only option to wait until the life support ran out. When we finally emerged into the large cavern, it took our breath away. Spiky crystals in every color of the rainbow were embedded in the walls and floors. The glow from our lights lit them up: the crystals reflected back and forth glittering flashes of light. The beauty, and the monetary worth, of this treasure was unmeasurable. But our guide barely glanced at them. She unsheathed her claws and started digging fervently at the floor. She pulled out a small box, reverently removing the book inside: a real paper book, protected from mildew and moisture by whatever material the box was made of. Paper books had not been seen on this planet for generations. These words are who we were, came the words softly through her universal translator. Her vibrant green eyes shone in the darkness with fierce joy. Who we are, and who we will be. They could not take this. Then, I understood what she had been searching for all along. This was the true treasure. Jessica Kleeberger Today’s science fiction story points to the reality that God’s Word, the Bible, tells us who we are and who we will be. It tells us why God created humans. Then, it tells us about how humans fell into sin, alienating us from God and each other and bringing brokenness to all of creation. But then, the best news: God’s Word tells us how we as humans can be made right with God through Jesus Christ becoming forever a part of His people. To learn more about this true story, check out our “Know Jesus” page. In Psalm 19:10, the psalmist describes God’s words as sweeter than honey. Like the guide with the book in the story, he found them more desirable than gold. The Bible is all about Jesus, who is the source of wisdom and is our greatest treasure (Colossians 2:3). Why is it so important to know Jesus is the only way to true wisdom (John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; James 1:5)? Search for [wisdom, insight, and understanding] as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:4-6 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31