TREASURE
There were two brothers, who determined early in life, that they were
going to seek for treasure, in order to provide income for their living,
and security for their old age.
One was trained in the ways of the Archeologist, who pursued patiently
and diligently, hints and clues, concerning treasure, buried in years
past; And upon locating the appropriate site, searched diligently, with
great care, and attention to detail, dusting even with a tooth brush,
each pebble, taken from it's nitch provided through the centuries, by
Nature; hoping that some pebble, or stone, might prove to be precious,
unique, or priceless.
The other brother cast his lot among pirates, who, when they heard gossip,
or rumor, atacked and destroyed city, hamlet, or village, looting and
making spoil of all that was of value, of that which lay about easy at
hand, for later perusal and evaluation as to lasting quality.
The pirate brother was provided with plenty to eat, and clothes to wear,
by income from his carreer of crime. When he was old, he was cast out
by his criminal band, only to be imprisoned for life, by Magistrates
and barristers; thereby providing security for his old age.
The Archeologist brother found great value in the treasure which he unearthed
from time to time; their value being enhanced, in some part, by the careful
handling, and the meticulous skill, developed over the years, as he
laboriously attempted to restore their original lustre, and glory. His old
age was spent among treasures and trinkets, precious and dear to his heart,
as the fruits of honest labor; polished by the sweat of arduous toil,
and buffed by the caress of his trained and skilled hand.
"Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like unto
treasure hid in a field, the which, when a
man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof
goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth
that field." (Mat 13:44)
The story serves to illustrate two very different approaches to Bible
study. Some will look only upon the surface, grabbing and teaching the
first thing they lay hand to, as doctrine. While the more earnest will
search the scripture deeply, and with humility, willing to let God's
Scripture guide them.
"These were more noble than those of Thessalonica
in that they received the word with all readiness
of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether
these things were so." (Acts 17:11)
© 1997 BY THEOPHILUS BOOK
Return to: Chapter and verse
RETURN TO HOME PAGE