Precious

The Bible warns us not to seek fulfilment in material things, but to search for things which have eternal value.  In the Old Testament, we find:

• Prov 8:11: Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
• Psalm 119:127: I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold.

And Jesus Himself said:

• Matt 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
• Matt 13:44-46: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Now, when we turn to the New Testament epistles, we find that the most precious thing in the whole universe is nothing but Jesus Himself!  Consider, for example:

• Colossians 2:2-4:  My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
• 1 Peter 1:17-21:  Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.  For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
• 1 Peter 2:4-8: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:  “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and,“A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

If only all people would fully appreciate the amazing depth of Jesus' love; how He left His glorious home, lived as a human and then allowed Himself to be tortured and killed by His own rebellious creatures, so that He could bring salvation to anyone who asked.  Those of us who do so, come to find that Jesus is incredibly precious to us, a dear friend, Lord and Saviour, who we would gladly give up our lives for.