Day 162: Searching for Treasure

Today’s Scripture: 1 Kings 7:1-51

Central Thought: What do we value? What treasures are we hiding in our hearts?

Today’s Scripture reading is about the temple furnishings that Solomon had Hiram forge from bronze. The items sound tremendously valuable as art objects and remind me of the Indiana Jones movie and his search for an ancient artifact. The search in that movie was for a wine challis that Christ may have used.

In 1 Kings 7 we are given a detailed list of treasures Solomon had forged that were designed specifically to worship God. Where are these items today? Are they lovingly preserved beneath desert sands waiting to be uncovered? Or have they been melted down for an idol? Much like lost treasures, the Bible is filled with riches waiting to be discovered: not of bronze or gold, but treasure that brings renewed hope, never fails, and pierces to the depth of our needs.

What does God want us to learn from reading about the design of the temple long ago? What has been lost by those who revere the works of King Solomon more than God Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, the One for whom the temple was truly designed? Do we revere our churches, our religions and clubs, and the trappings of these organizations more than we revere God? If so, we should earnestly seek God’s help to get back on track. May He help us redeem the time we have wasted. And may we guard against distractions that would lead us to worship religion and the temple rather than the Lord. And may we reveal the treasure of our hearts to others.

Devotional prayer: Dear Lord, You know us. We are weak, and You know how easy it is for us to be caught up in systems of religiosity. Help us worship You in spirit and truth with our whole heart and mind. Give us a right mindedness as we approach the Scripture each day, and help us to glean the treasure You have for us. Prepare us to share Your treasures with a world that needs You.

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33