Hidden Treasure

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I understand that You ARE the hidden treasure that Paul wrote about. You are the living Word of God—as John wrote in the book of John. So many people enjoy mysteries—books and movies—but do they realize that there is a mystery in the Bible? That hidden gem is You—and we can’t buy You—we can only just accept what You did to purchase our salvation! You are awesome. Thank You—from the bottom of my heart, mind, and soul. I am forever grateful that You revealed Yourself as God’s mystery—and especially that You obediently went to the cross, that all of our sins could be forgiven—washed away by Your sacrificial blood. 

Is there a treasure at the end of the rainbow?

I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Colossians 2:1-4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Meditate. Consider what you treasure

    So many things are beginning to fall into place according to God's prophecies—Israel is back in the Promised Land. That was a very important event. Jews have gathered from all over the world to live there. It has become very prosperous despite the almost constant turmoil challenging this nation from countries around the world and within its own borders. It is not just their unfriendly Arab neighbors—who are really extended family if you know Abraham’s lineage. Unity and loving one another in the Middle East…and anywhere in the world…would be wonderful. But although we pray for that and hope that all nations would follow Jesus’ teaching to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, this is just not happening. Why?

    God’s plan is mysteriously hidden within His scripture—but it centers on Jesus Christ. Paul had complete confidence that they (Laodicea) would understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Read ahead to the book of Revelation for more of the story of Laodicea.

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen--the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation: "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." Revelation 3:14-22

    Laodicea was lukewarm—not showing love—just being indifferent. Jesus was calling them to repent—to turn from their blasé existence. Are you like the people of the Laodicean church? I will admit that sometimes I am. I should be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…but I’m not. I’m just blasé. I need to be more concerned about others, less concerned about myself, and above all…putting God first in all things in my life—seeking His hidden treasure. I’ve rattled on far too much today—but I hope that you will dig into God’s word—and find the treasured mysteries of hope in His words. Don’t be deceived. Seek and find God. Blessings—may you honor God in all that you think, say, and do today. The choice is yours.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:4-6

 

Be Thankful with Joy in Your Heart

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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