Searching for Treasure

Reading: Matt. 2:1-12, 6:19-24, Col. 3:1-16

As we celebrate Epiphany, let's look at the story of the Magi as they brought treasure to the baby Jesus. Here are some verses to set the stage:

Searching for the King- Michael Dudash  Click image on side bar to order

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem...wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'... And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2: 1-12 NKJ

These men brought rare, costly treasure to honor this King of the Jews that they worshiped. While this earth has beautiful, rare treasures; is there treasure that can not be seen in this realm and belongs to the Kingdom of God? When the Christ child grew up, here is what He said:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth... but... treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:21 NKJ

"Wherever your treasure is there the desires of your heart will also be." NLT

The words of Jesus are amazing, the simplest sentence can keep us intrigued for a lifetime as we grow in understanding of Him. What is this treasure in heaven that He speaks of? The Apostle Paul said to the church in Colosse:

"Since... you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, 

where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Col 3:1-4 NIV

Our focus, the desires of our heart are to be on interests of heaven. Where else can we find reference to heavenly treasure? David writes in Psalms:

"My heart stands in awe of Your word.
I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great treasure."
Psalm 119:147,161 & 2, NKJ

Isaiah says:

"The fear of the Lord is His treasure."
Isa. 33:6 NKJ

Ah, here is the beginning of the treasure hunt. The search begins with fear of the Lord, awe of who He is. If we have this view of God it is treasure to behold... behold Him. We can "see" His handiwork in the created world and be amazed by Him. It is in the word of God that we find the greatest treasure of who He is and His grand design for us.

Be Blessed today and we will dig up more in the days to follow.