Hidden Treasure

Hidden Treasure

For the word of God is alive and powerful.

It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,

cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.

It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Hebrews 4:12

When I read a book that proves to be fascinating – an “I can’t put it down” book, I keep it close at hand. When I have a long appointment or an overnight stay, I grab one of my favorites to take with me.  Some books, such as Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, I have read dozens of times.  Its finely drawn portraits of men functioning under the extreme stress of war are always fresh.  Beyond that, there inevitably is something in dialogue, action or emotion that I missed on the last read-through.

The Bible is the king of “ah-ha!” moments.  No matter how many times you read it, noting connections and cross-connections, you will always find something that you did not recognize before – a comment, an inflection, a bond between Old and New Testaments, a fulfillment of prophecy, or an understanding that you did not experience the last time you read that passage.  I am sometimes guilty of thinking, “Oh, I’ve already read that!” or “Oh, I already know about that.”  Yes, I have studied the Bible a great deal; but no, I will never know everything it has to teach me.  It will always contain hidden treasure, just waiting to be revealed.

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Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,

Still You’re there right beside me.

And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.

Please be near me to the end.

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 601.