Hidden Treasure

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44 NIV

“Mom!” This groan echoes through our house every Christmas morning.

Brains shift into overdrive as the kids solve riddles in an effort to find Christmas gifts. I don’t remember when the Christmas Quest began, but it’s a yearly event even our adult children wouldn’t skip. To find their “best” presents, the kids must follow a series of clues. Helpful hints are offered but if you can’t figure it out, try a sibling. Their brainwave may track with Mom’s better than your current one. Clues are attached to everything from the dog to the diving board. I’m even contemplating submerging one in the pool this year.

God staged His own Christmas Quest years ago. Who would look for the King of kings in a stable? The Magi did the logical thing and went to the palace. Angels gave a bunch of scraggly shepherds a heads-up on the treasure and the first clue in finding it:

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 12 NIV

Picture the shepherds striding off to nearby Bethlehem. Where did they park their sheep? Were the sheep dogs left in charge? As they searched the local stables, did more than a few surprised farmers scratch their heads in disbelief? Imagine their faces when they find the right one. When our kids find their gifts, they must bring it back to the kitchen so we can watch them unwrap it. Imagine God’s joy as His Gift is unwrapped for the first time.

God has treasure for you every day. Are you willing to hunt for it? It’s not easy. The clues can be difficult and it takes time, but the treasure? Priceless.

Questions for the Week:

1)                  Think about a treasure hunt. What must the treasure hunters do?

2)                  Think about the one hiding the treasure. What must they do?

3)                  How do you feel when you discover treasure?

4)                  Does God leave clues or a treasure map to help us find His treasure?

5)                  Have you found the Treasure? What have you discovered? Could you help someone else in their Treasure hunt?