In June 2017, the body of a Colorado Pastor was discovered in the wilderness. The pastor died while in the Rocky Mountains hunting for treasure. This pastor is believed to be the second death connected to this treasure hunt. Evidently, a billionaire had buried a chest of gold coins and then gave clues to the location in a news interview. Many have reportedly been willing to risk their lives in search of this great treasure. (Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/paris-wallace-dies-search-for-forrest-fenn-treasure/)
In Psalm 19, we are told that the law of the Lord, the statues of the Lord, and the testimonies of the Lord are “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold….” Many are willing to risk much to search for gold. What are we willing to risk for the pursuit of Jesus? What are we willing to risk for greater relationship…greater intimacy with our Savior?
The scriptures go even further than merely seeking Jesus as a great treasure. The Lord teaches us in Luke 12 that He desires His children to be faithfully watching for His return. We must reassess our true faithfulness to God. What does your faithfulness look like to God?
In Luke 12:15, the Lord says, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
This is part of the Lord’s response to a man who wanted Jesus to speak to his brother about sharing their inheritance. God can truly see the heart of the matter with each man – and for this man, it was covetousness that plagued him. This begins a lengthy discourse on this subject throughout the remaining portion of Luke 12.
Money is not the principle thing. Money is needed, but it is not the treasure for which we must sacrifice and pursue diligently. (Luke 12:16-20)
Daily provision is needed, but it is not the great treasure we must overflow with worry for fear of its absence (Luke 12:22-28) – God promises daily provision will not be absent when depending on Him.
Covetousness misses the mark. Greed misses the mark.
The great treasure is relationship with Jesus! Money cannot buy it. Greed cannot steal it. Covetousness cannot hoard it.
So, what is the answer to greed, covetousness, and the love of money? Luke 12:31 gives us a simple, yet comprehensive reply. Seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to unto you. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that covetousness is unavoidably addressed with the presence of God.
3 Key Assessments for My Faithfulness (vv. 31-34)
1. SEEK – this is an active choice.
Approval of men or Approval of God
Money or Eternal Profit
Pleasures of this world or pleasures of this world yet to come
Justice for those who have wronged you or mercy for your self from God
2. FEAR – this is a response to the unknown or uncontrolled…this is a choice to fear God more than acceptance or personal will.
If I seek Christ…if I turn my eyes solely on Jesus… we sometimes battle with thoughts like:
I won’t have any friends or fun or money
I will have to do things I don’t want to do
3. TREASURE -this is the outcome.
Believer, what you seek and what you fear is what reveals your treasure. We have read throughout the gospel of Luke:
The unlimited nature of our great God. (Luke 8)
The position, power, and reality of prayer (Luke 11)
Now He simply calls us to treasure Him more than anything or anyone else in our lives.
Such “treasuring” will be seen in our readiness to meet Him when He comes to take His bride, the church, away.
For more than thirty years, archaeologist Howard Carter searched the deserts of Egypt for something that most people thought didn’t exist—the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Most experts believed that everything in the Valley of the Kings had already been discovered, but Carter continued his search. Eventually after five more years without result, Carter’s sponsor, Lord Carnarvon of England, declared that he would stop funding the search.
In November of 1922, during his final season of work, Carter uncovered a hidden staircase near the tomb of Ramses VI. He sent a cable to England which said, “At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact.” Carter had indeed located the tomb of King Tut, one of the greatest archaeological treasures every discovered. After months of careful work, the golden treasures of the tomb were cataloged, and the first intact royal mummy ever found was removed from the place where it had rested for more than 3,000 years.
Carter’s search was driven by his firm belief that there was treasure to be found, though he could not be certain that he was correct. (Source: In the Valley of the Kings, Daniel Meyerson)
Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near!
The real treasure is relationship with Jesus Christ.
He has proven He is worthy through His creation, through His salvation, and through His many fulfilled promises. He has been, is, and will be faithful to you. Have you assessed your relationship with Him? Do you stand faithful to Him?