LightGrams
May 25, 2017
Volume 21, Number 18
A story made headlines in March of this year when an independent prospector in Sierra Leone, Africa discovered a 706-carat diamond. The young man was sifting through the mud and sediment in a river when he made the find. It was presented to the president of Sierra Leone, and the lucky finder will receive a percentage from its sale. It was estimated to be between the tenth and fifteenth largest diamond ever found.
Yesterday a story was reported by NPR News of another large and valuable diamond that had been found. The place where this find was made was not specified, except to say that it had been on a woman’s finger for many years. The 26.27-carat diamond, which has been appraised for auction by Sotheby’s at a value of $425,000, is not a brilliant diamond. Thinking it was cheap costume jewelry, the owner had been wearing it every day. Had she known its value, would she have worn it at all?
Television shows like “American Pickers” and “Antiques Roadshow” have highlighted the principle we’ve often heard: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Which of us is presently holding an item that is far more valuable than we realize?
Stories like these bring to mind Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). The man who owned that land possessed a treasure – but he didn’t recognize what he had. We may rejoice with the man who found it, but we feel sad for the original owner.
Jesus wasn’t giving instructions on real estate purchases, but was urging us to see the value of something within the grasp of each of us. To be a member of the kingdom of heaven is one of life’s greatest opportunities – thanks to the grace of God. But how many people are more attracted to trinkets, things that will not endure?
What would it mean to be in the kingdom of heaven? Here’s one statement to consider: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20). It’s like having spare batteries for our flashlight; when one grows weak, here’s another to keep your light shining. God offers to supplement our limited abilities with His infinite abilities!
Here’s another glimpse of the value of being in God’s kingdom: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). All of our needs – supplied!
What Christ has made available to each of us is far more valuable than mansions and limousines. Sadly, many don’t recognize the value of these incredible gifts.
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, 2017, 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 “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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