Treasure Hunting for Guaranteed Riches

Looking for lost loot

I am fascinated by stories of lost treasures and the adventures of those who seek them. My dad learned of a cavalry payload that was lost in 1881 near Flagstaff, Arizona. We spent several vacation days boondocking through some wilderness areas searching for likely places for the loot.

Of course, we didn’t find it, but the adventure and thrill of the possibilities were part of the fun.

God’s guaranteed gems

Even better, I delight in treasure hunts which are guaranteed to turn up riches.

Psalm 119:162 says, “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.”

Each time I read Scriptures, I come away with some gems that enrich my life, teach me more about my Lord and my walk with Him, or give me insight into some situation in my life. Some days, my heart overflows with the awe and immensity of the truths I discover, giving me a yearning for knowing more.

I study and meditate on God’s word to get to know Him better and allow His living truths to transform my mind from an earthly focus to a Spirit-led focus. There are many ways to accomplish this, and we can explore some of them together in this blog.

Ephesians is one of the most beautiful treasure troves, and I never tire of rediscovering all of the glories hidden there. It can be like drinking from a fire hose, so it is wise to take in small portions at a time. Let’s look at Ephesians 1:1-6 using Observation and Reflection.

Reverential reading

First, read the passage through slowly to get a picture of what is being discussed. Ask the Spirit to speak to your heart.

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. 4For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 5He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.

Ephesians 1:1-6

In the first paragraph, we identify the author, Paul and his qualifications; the audience, the saints in Ephesus and their qualifications; and the benediction (blessing) Paul gives.

In verses 3-6, we have more blessings and some explanation of these gracious words.

A deeper dive

Look for repeated words or concepts which you may choose to highlight. Here are a few:

• Blessed (2x), blessing
• Words of blessing: grace and peace; every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms; He chose us . . . before the foundation of the world; holy and blameless; in love; adoption as His sons; according to the good pleasure of His will; to the praise of His glorious grace . . .freely given us in the Beloved
• God, God our father (2x), He/His (7x), Father; Christ Jesus (2x), Lord Jesus Christ (2x), Christ, Jesus Christ, Him and Beloved One
• In Christ Jesus, in Christ, in Him, through Jesus Christ, in the Beloved one
• Blessed us, chose us, predestined us, freely given us

Repeat these portions, letting the weight of the words sink in.

What is your heart’s response?

What does this say about God and how He feels about you?

What does this say about who you are and your value to God?

Dealing with doubts

Sometimes, it can be difficult to believe that these wondrous words can be true. After all, our world often thinks God is not really concerned about life on earth or He is waiting to catch us doing something wrong so He can punish us.

Our own experiences may equate God with less-than-nurturing people in our lives, and the ability to trust has been damaged.

God is either true in all He says or He is a liar. If He is true, and one of Jesus’ names is The Truth, His veracity can’t be determined by whether we believe it or not. The principles of gravity are true, and if I choose to believe I can defy them and not get hurt, the proof is in the outcome, not what I think about the principles.

Would you be willing to tell those thoughts and feelings to Him? I promise that He will listen gladly and invite you to share more. He knows everything you have endured and He understands your fears and doubts. Lay it all out for your sake, wrestle with your doubts, and begin a conversation with the Lord.

If this Scripture has some elements that appeal to you, ask God to teach you how to believe, understand, and walk in the truth. He is more than willing to answer this request. He loves you and wants you to understand the reality of the riches you have as the delightful, chosen child of the King.

Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.

Psalm 86:11

Have you discovered the treasures of Ephesians 1 for yourself or do you think these nuggets are not for you? If you have wrestled with these truths, would you be willing to share your journey?

(c) 2020 Holly Craw