LightGrams
July 30, 2020
Volume 24, Number 26
There was a heist at an art gallery in Tokyo, Japan earlier this month. Everything on display was taken; not an item was left. All this happened as police stood outside to monitor the large crowd that had gathered.
What we’re describing was the “Stealable Art Exhibition”. The gallery planned this “as ‘an experiment’, to alter the relationship between artists and visitors”, according to the story carried on Yahoo News. Artists designed the artifacts on display for this event; nothing taken was of especially great value. Still, a larger-than-expected number turned out, and within minutes the gallery was emptied.
One “thief” nabbed a framed 10,000 yen banknote (worth $93), and stated that he was going to hang it on the wall of his apartment. Others, however, had different motives for taking the art. Several of the works soon appeared on online auction sites, asking for prices considerably more than their actual value.
A year or so ago I left my Bible at a place where I had just taught. Later I began a search, but that Bible was nowhere to be found. Though it had my name in the front, it was not turned in. I can only assume this nice leather-bound Bible was stolen.
When a Bible is stolen there is a common response: “They needed it worse than I do!” If the one who now has my Bible will actually use it, then I’m not too upset. May it lead them to the One who leads anyone in the right way and can forgive all sins!
God’s word is indeed a treasure, and this idea is frequently expressed in Scripture. Psalm 119:72 is an example: “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” Earlier in that it is written, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).
Proverbs 3:13-15 is another statement of the worth of God’s word: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Are such statements true? Those who know there is a God in heaven affirm that they are true. God wants us to live the best life possible, and His word shows us how to have such a life. To us the Bible is a heavenly treasure “for the taking”.
Those who see the value of God’s instruction seek it more diligently: “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4,5). Here’s the treasure – take it!
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.
~~~~~
Copyright, 2020, 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.
Permission to reproduce and/or use the messages for noncommercial purposes is freely granted provided the messages are not altered.