LightGrams
October 24, 2024
Volume 28, Number 31
Earlier this month in Paris, “owlers” were told to stop digging; the replica of the fabled Golden Owl had been discovered. Finding the replica was the last key to claiming an owl made of gold and silver, and with diamond chips on its face. The search began in 1993 and has attracted thousands who hoped to lay claim to this treasure, estimated to be worth $165,000.
“On The Trail Of The Golden Owl” is the name of the quest that intrigued more than 200,000 people in France. It was based on a book that had eleven riddles to be solved, and an additional riddle that was hidden in the book. Solving these would lead to the hiding spot of the replica. The riddles were developed by author Regis Hauser, and the owl was designed by artist Michel Becker. Hauser died in 2009; he had published his book under the name of Max Valentin, knowing that he would be hounded by treasure seekers if he gave his actual name.
Reactions to the discovery of the owl replica brought (virtual) tears on social media. The awarding of the Golden Owl will depend on the presentation of the replica along with the correct answers to all twelve riddles. The great hunt of 31 years apparently has come to an end.
Heaven has offered a prize far more valuable than a Golden Owl: eternal life and a home in heaven have been announced. The Golden Text of the Bible speaks of this offer: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). All golden objects on earth fade in comparison with this gift!
But isn’t understanding God’s will like deciphering riddles? Though many try to figure out what God is saying, confusion still reigns supreme, it seems. There are so many differing approaches to religion. Does anyone have hope of understanding God’s terms, and then receiving eternal life?
Isaiah 35:8 is a prophecy we should consider: “A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.” The “fool” in this passage refers to someone not highly educated. Even they will be able to understand God’s will when this Highway of Holiness appears.
Jesus announced in John 14:6 that He is the Way, the only “Highway” to the Father in heaven. When you read about His life on earth you see that He associated with the common people of His day, not the highly educated. By focusing on Jesus and His teachings, they could have the assurance of being blessed by God. And it has continued that way until this day.
Understanding God’s will is not rocket science. But it does take commitment and perseverance (2 Timothy 2:15). The rewards of this pursuit are worth it, though. We’ll have much more to show for it than just the golden trinkets of this life.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2024, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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