Treasure Hunting

I used to love playing 'Treasure Hunt' games, following clues and trying to get to the finish before others. Most of us spend much of our lives on assorted Treasure Hunts, looking for acceptance, popularity, meaning, and stuff.

Following the global financial meltdown, there seems to be a greater interest in winning lottery prizes or finding ways to maximise our income. My inbox is bombarded with assorted schemes that might make me rich (though they are probably scams!)

But our obsession with treasure hunting probably tells us a great deal about our heart's deepest desires.

The story of the Wise Men, on their journey, following a star, is about people on a Treasure Hunt. 'About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2.1-2)

As they set out, they were clear that they were hunting for the new-born King, the real treasure, so they went well prepared for their journey's end. 'They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.' (Matthew 2.11)

So it is striking that from their treasure chests they were generous, because they had found the One whose coming brings real treasure to our world.

I am challenged by this story to wonder whether my treasure is Jesus or the many sorts of stuff that fixates our culture. It seems that when we learn to be generous with what the Lord has given us, whatever that is, that shows that we have ourselves experienced his grace and mercy, coming to us from his abundant treasure. Or as Jesus put it, 'Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' (Matthew 6.21)

Where is your treasure?
Best wishes,

Richard