Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.14 Unearthed Treasure???

 

“These all died in faith,

not having received the promises,

but having seen them afar off,

and were persuaded of them,

and embraced them,

and confessed

that they were strangers

and pilgrims

on the earth.

14 For they that say such things

declare plainly

that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful

of that country

from whence they came out,

they might have had opportunity

to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country,

that is,

an heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed

to be called their God:

for he hath prepared for them a city.”   Hebrews 11:13-16

God reminds us through this great chapter of faith, that those who are God’s and follow Him, are seeking “a better country, that is, an heavenly” kingdom—an eternal one. They have “unearthed” a treasure that this world cannot see or understand apart from Jesus; apart from being “born again” by the blood of The Lamb; “born” of God’s Spirit–having our “place of birth” changed from earth to heaven.

Unearth: means not only ‘to dig or get out of the earth’, but it also can mean ‘to uncover or bring to light by search, inquiry, etc.’. In other words, when we are saved by Jesus and receive His saving grace, we unearth a treasure of unequalled value—a treasure to/for our souls. Our focus is changed from an earthly perspective to a heavenly one. We have not only ‘unearthed’ a treasure but the transforming power of Jesus’ blood “unearth’s” our heart and sets it on things above, not on ‘earthly’ things. But we have to do our part and resist the “wiles of the devil” and keep our heart and mind set on the things of God.

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth

on the right hand

of God.

2 Set your affection on things above,

not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

How? By dwelling on the things of God, even as Paul reminded the church at Philippi!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”    Philippians 4:8

We can succeed in this only by the power of the Holy Spirit, who God’s gives to His own, through the new birth which Jesus’ sacrifice provides—being “born again…..of God”.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:12-13

“3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see

the kingdom of God……….

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”   John 3:3 & 5-7

Have you been “un-earthed” by the new birth? Have you been “born…..of the Spirit”? Are you steeped in the “earth” and it’s trappings, or have you discovered the treasure that is only found in Jesus! If you have then don’t get bogged down in the “mud” of the world but pursue the glory of God, by abstaining “from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”!

“Dearly beloved,

I beseech you

as strangers

and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation

honest among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation.”   1 Peter 2:11-12

We must continually and consciously choose to keep our eyes, our heart and our mind on Jesus, and we can do that by God’s wondrous grace, which is continually working in us to change us from glory to glory….

“But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure

in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power

may be of God,

and not of us.

8 We are troubled

on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our body.

11 For we which live

are alway delivered unto death

for Jesus’ sake,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-11

God’s power—God’s Spirit– all for His glory, and our glory IN Him—all because HE is in us.

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27

God’s work to not only grow us, and help us draw closer to Him in intimate fellowship, but also HIS glory shining in and through us before a corrupt world of darkness! May our lives continually pursue that glory—through His Spirit and His Word?

“Now the Lord is that Spirit:

and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty.

18 But we all,

with open face

beholding as in a glass

the glory of the Lord,

are changed

into the same image

from glory

to glory,

even as by the Spirit

of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Just as Jesus told us, we must choose whether we want to be a “stick in the mud” or if we want to be changed into HIS image “from glory to glory”, letting our “little light shine” with HIS glory—so that others will see Him and come to salvation!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all

that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Amen and Amen!