Searching for Hidden Treasure (2/12/14)

As a young teenager I babysat regularly for a family that had two boys, ages 8 and 4.   Our favorite game was “Hide the Markers.”  It worked exactly as the title indicates.  One of us took a handful of markers and hid them in selected rooms on the first floor of the home.  Then the other two would hunt for them.  In order for Rolfie, the 4 year old, to find some on every turn, Richard, the 8 year old, and I always hid some markers in plain sight or in a favorite place.  Then we would truly hide the others to make a more challenging search. 

Sometimes the things of God can be much the same way.  “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.”  (Proverbs 25:2 AMP) We are called kings and priests. Many of the truths in God’s word may appear hidden and we must search for them as for valuable treasure. Often we would prefer that God would write the direction for our life across the sky. A direct phone call would be nice also. But as the Scripture states, God will conceal things from us. We must seek them out in both prayer and Bible study. 

When we are young Christians the knowledge and wisdom we seek may be easy to find. Just as we did not overly challenge young Rolfie by hiding the markers in difficult places, God also does not exasperate his children by making things too difficult. The lag time between asking and receiving or seeking and finding is often very short for a new believer.   ^“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT) Although this Scriptures is true for all, it seems to work faster for young believers. As we grow and get to know God more intimately, we tend to require more effort to seek out God’s plan. He wants us to know Him and His character more and not just plans He has for us. This takes a little more searching.  We are learning the thoughts of the one who hides the treasure. 

Whenever we played this game, all three of us genuinely enjoyed it. Rolfie would become very excited each time he found a marker. We would enthusiastically congratulate him on his great find. As believers we are told to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].” (Romans 12:15 AMP) Do we get truly excited when a new believer uncovers a truth about God that we have known for years? Do we share the wide-eyed wonder or show a condescending attitude, because we have known this truth for a long time? And do we encourage increasing skill of one who is growing and God? Just as Richard became more adept at both hiding and finding these markers, so do believers grow through repeatedly searching the word of God. We must share each other’s progress and excitement of finding the treasures of God that are within. 

We can heed this great wisdom, “And make the Almighty your gold and [the Lord] your precious silver treasure,” (Job 22:25 AMP) This will never bring disappointment.  Of Jesus Christ it is said, “In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.” (Colossians 2:3 AMP) This sounds like a type of treasure we could truly enjoy and benefit from. I would certainly like some, please!  At whatever place we are in our walk with God, we can benefit both from finding treasure ourselves and rejoicing with others as they find treasure.  

The boys and I played the game nearly every time I babysat.  Some days, with the anticipation of the hunt in their minds, the boys could barely wait for mom and dad to leave. The door would barely shut, and we would begin. Sometimes, I would arrive and Richard would tell me he had found a new hiding place he was sure I would never find. Eagerly, we would set out with great anticipation and searching hearts. These are fond memories that I’ve held onto all these years. Smiles and laughter accompanied by the sharpening of our detective skills. 

Have you been on a treasure hunt lately? Is there someone you would like to hunt with and encourage along the way? With great enthusiasm, let the hunt begin!