The Treasure of Life

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:1-5 ESV). A British treasure hunter discovered a huge stash of Roman coins buried in a field in southwest England. Using a metal detector, Dave Crisp located a large pot holding 52,000 coins. These ancient silver and bronze coins dated from the third century AD weigh more than 350 pounds. They were valued at $5 million. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we should be on a different kind of treasure hunt. What we seek does not consist of silver and gold. Rather our quest is to gather the precious treasure that comes from the knowledge of Christ. Yesterday we did some study that might be considered as trivia. And, while it wouldn’t be the kind of information you would easily find without an understanding of languages, the Bible is God’s Word to the world. It is not meant to be hidden from the world, but given to the world. It is plain in the declaration of the grace and mercy of God through Jesus. As we get to know Jesus we discover the “hidden” treasure of God. An unknown writer speaking of the Bible, said, "This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.” I find many people looking for the “codes” and hidden secrets of the Bible. My experience has been that the plain truths of the Scripture are more than sufficient to bring joy, peach, and life. Make it your passion to read it!