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:
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| 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 Colossae:
"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
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.
1 comment:
This is a timely message for me...especially since my treasure here on earth seems to be dwindling rapidly! His words help ground us in reality...the reality that all the treasure we amass here on earth can so quickly turn to dust. They actually ARE dust and mean nothing! When we focus on the more important things of God and his design for our lives then we begin to see the real treasure. He says "I have plans for you...plans to prosper you not to harm you". And yet we run around in circles searching for treasure where there is none...and all the while the real treasure is all around us! Yes, His word, His Holy Spirit, His promises, His blessings, His grace...these are just a few of the treasures He offers to us if we only look in the right place!
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