The other day Janice was digging through a closet that we do not use very much. It is a red cedar lined closet, in my office, where we store things that need protection from moths. She was looking for some material she had stored years ago to try and make some masks. She found the material she needed but it was not worth using. However, she did find one “treasure” - an old nightgown her mother had made for her years ago, a floor length old fashion flannel nightgown with a frilly collar. It is like stepping back to the pioneer days and something they might have worn. It was a pleasant surprise for her. It brought back a lot of memories for both of us. It also got me thinking about “old treasures” and what we are faced with today, in this time of pandemic.
During this time of self isolating, I believe people are once again discovering some “old treasures.” They are spending, in many cases, more time with their families – “treasuring” that time. They are reaching out to old friends, and getting to know them better as a “treasure” in their lives. They are “treasuring” the health they have. It might not be perfect but in spite of the many folks who are suffering with Covid-19, they have so much to be thankful for. They are “treasuring” the health care system and health care workers, who, unfortunately, have not been given the worth and significance they deserve. They are “treasuring” the country they live in with all the blessings God has bestowed on them. Old treasures – newly discovered.
And what about our “spiritual treasures?” Many of us have been Christians for several years and yet I believe we are rediscovering again what our Faith is all about. We are realizing afresh and anew what a treasure we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. Like the Apostle Paul we state, “My (our) aim is to know Him, to experience the power of His resurrection...” (Philippians 3:10 NET Bible). We are realizing, more and more, as we travel through this pandemic, verses like 2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV), “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” We are realizing that He “...is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). We are discovering a fresh and anew what a “treasure” we have in God’s word. As the psalmist declares, “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:14-16 NIV). We are also realizing, in new ways, the strength and comfort in prayer. As one Saint wisely states, “God tells us to burden Him with whatever burdens us!” And I believe we will appreciate, even more, the assembling of the brethren once this pandemic is over. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
My friends, as we start a new week let us look again at the “old treasures” that have become “new treasures” during this pandemic time. We have so much to celebrate and to encourage us because of the “treasures” we have in Jesus Christ. Remember as Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). May your hearts rejoice – be comforted and strengthened as we celebrate those “old treasures” newly discovered in this period of grace. As we share our “treasure” with those around us, may His love shine through.
God bless you – keep the faith and keep safe. Remember you are a “treasure” to me – Pastor Ralph P.S. And I hope if you clean out your closet you will find some “old treasures!”
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