Treasure Hunters Pt. 2

Hidden In Plain Sight

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things… to put to shame the things which are mighty… so that no one may boast before Him. 1 Cor. 27-29

One day a king went out alone and hid a huge diamond, then hired three servants to find it. Whoever found it would become the King’s closest advisor.  They were given only three locations to look for it but could only choose one.  The first traveled a short distance to a regal palace thinking surely the king would want his treasure here. But after searching throughout the day it was not found. The second servant went to the king’s royal treasury thinking surely the king would keep such a jewel where it ought to be. But alas, while holding the last coin, the servant discovered the diamond was not there either.

The third servant, who often spent time with the king, traveled a day’s length to a small shack at the edge of the king’s domain. After opening the door he came upon an old wooden chest.  As he opened it, the diamond glistened in the sunlight. The servant returned to the king’s chambers, jewel in hand and to the king’s delight, was made chief advisor.

The third servant had two things in his favor that helped him become closest to the king. First he spent time with the king and so knew his heart. He had heard the king speak affectionately of this shack, which is where he first laid eyes on his soon to be queen. The king once hid a ring inside the chest and then proposed to her when she finally found him during a game of hide-n-seek. Second, he had humility that enabled him to see past things that would attract the self-seeking. That same humility gave him wisdom to only value the king’s interests.

Likewise with us, when we are exploring the depths of God, there are things He wants to show us that can’t be found in things that make us look good. For example, the precious jewel called “brotherly love” may not be hidden in your closest friendships, but in learning to deal kindly with that person who irritates you. Such treasure may take longer and be difficult to obtain, but it’s well worth it once you find it. As we grow in intimacy with the Father and learn His ways, we too will see how differently He thinks from human nature. Knowing Him becomes our map to the most valuable riches of our King’s heart.