When do we begin our hunt for treasure?

As a child, I was smart enough to know no pirate would have buried his treasure on our Midwestern farm, so I never began digging. But while we waded and splashed for hours in the creek that ran through the cow pasture, I kept my eyes open for gold nuggets. I was sure that someday we’d find a diamond or two in a pile of gravel or veins of coal. Once I found a 1905 penny in the dirt under the big front porch where we played; after that, I’d often scratch around for more pieces of lost treasure. And I was certain that somewhere in the corners of Grandma’s attic was a dusty, forgotten box filled with jewels. (Apparently, I could be logical about the pirates, but not about Grandma, who never even wore a wedding band.)

As an adult, I vacationed in Roque Bluffs in downeast Maine. We chose that place for the coastal beauty, the vistas of water and sky, the remoteness, the clean air. We scoured the beach for unusual rocks, shells, and seaglass treasures. But I also discovered the coves and islands of this place were home to real pirate Black Sam, and some say there is still buried treasure to be found. No, I haven’t started digging. But I admit I do look at the rugged coastline and wonder…

We have our more rational, adult version of the treasure hunt. We buy a lottery ticket (okay, so maybe that’s not rational). We measure the growth of a retirement fund, working toward a magic number. We search for the right husband, the perfect house. We look for a stock that might explode next week. We hope a book we write hits the best-seller list, our son’s basketball game makes him a superstar, the jewelry we design or the doo-dad we invent becomes a household name.

But somewhere along the way, my brothers and sisters, we are adopted and born into a new life. In this new life, there is still great treasure to be found, but it’s treasure like nothing we’ve ever dreamed of before. And it’s ours, part of our inheritance. Ours to claim and enjoy.

Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (Many versions use the word abundant.)

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about the rich and glorious inheritance he (God) has given to his holy people …

Can you tell me what a rich/abundant life is? What would you say if someone asked you to be specific about the riches you inherited when you became a child of God? It’s difficult to put into words, isn’t it? Yet I know that this is the life I want, and I want all of it! All of the abundance, all the riches.

I feel, though, as if I’ve only stubbed my toe on a corner of the chest that lies buried in the sand. I want to dig it up, lay back the lid, and be dazzled with the riches. And then I want to dance a little jig of joy and live happily ever, reveling in my great treasure!

I believe we know and have experienced only a smidgeon of the great treasure our Father has for us. I want to know, I want to live more of it.

So for the next few days, we’ll look to God’s Word and ask the Spirit to give us just a glimpse — I think even a glimpse will overwhelm us — just a glimpse of the riches we’ve inherited.

Feel free to dance your jig of joy at any time.

*

Scripture: from John 10:10; Ephesians 1:18 ( both NLT)