From Tapestry, Winter 1994
by Doreen and Laurie Schaeffer, Simcoe, Ontario
Please prepare for this study by prayerfully singing “Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now” LSB: #902
Read responsively Psalm 103
When my children were small, getting a letter from Grandma and Grandpa always brought excitement. Grandma closed her letter with “xxxxx,” and the boys would come running to get their kisses. That was a letter to treasure. Love for one another in our family is a wonderful blessing from God.
So often, though, in the rush of daily activities, we forget the Source of our greatest treasure. We find ourselves hunting for the flashy treasures of the world – money, possessions, power, fame. These treasures are like fool’s gold – bright and shiny, but not worth very much.
Get your Bibles ready. Hunt for the treasure in the following situations.
#1 It’s election time. Candidates X, Y and Z are debating the issues on national TV. Candidate X steps to the microphone and says, “Our country is really in a mess. The previous administration has only made matters worse. If elected, I have the solution to these problems. Vote for me – I have the answers!”
Look up Isaiah 40:8 and John 14:6. Where is the real treasure?
#2 You are watching prime time TV. In the program little Suzy is being stalked by an unknown assailant. The only way the police can bring the attacker to justice is by catching him in the act. Constable X assures Suzy, “There is nothing to worry about. I’ll have policemen stationed all around you. There is no way this guy can hurt you. Trust me.”
Look up Genesis 28:15. Where is the real treasure?
#3 You are on the phone to Mrs. X with an important question about LWMLC work. She’s not home but her answering machine says, “You have reached the home of Mr. and Mrs. X. We can’t come to the phone right now. Leave your name, number and message after the beep. If we get the chance, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. BEEP.”
Look up Isaiah 65:24. Where is the real treasure?
#4 You are relaxing with a popular magazine. While thumbing through the pages, your attention is arrested by the following advertisements: Try Diet X!!! You’ll be thin and beautiful! Your family and friends will love you!” “Buy Sonja X’s Aerobic Video! Take inches off your tummy! Trim your thighs! Have the Perfect Body! Be happy!!!” “Medical Authorities urge: Take Multivitamin X!!! Feel Better!!! Boost Energy!!!”
Look up Matthew 14:13-21; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 55:22a; Exodus 15:26b. Where is the real treasure?
The Greatest Treasure
Around my house are various keepsakes, mementos of my years at home as a child with my parents. I am reminded of their loving care, how they brought me, as a baby, to the waters of Holy Baptism, how my father directed me to take my concerns to the heavenly Father after sharing them with my earthly Father. They brought me to the greatest treasure.
Look up John 3:16 and John 11:25-26.
Sing: “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” LSB #743
Dear heavenly Father,
Out of Your wonderful love for us through Christ Jesus, You have freely opened to us Your treasury of promises and blessings. Through the death and resurrection of Your only Son, Jesus, we have received forgiveness, eternal life, a home in heaven and Your promise to help, protect and love us. For these blessings we praise You, dear Father. In the days ahead, help us to share the treasures of Your love with our families, co-workers and all those whom You place before us. Give us the strength and ability to act in Christian love. All this we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
This study is taken from Tapestry, publication of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada. If you enjoyed it, consider subscribing. An order form can be found at https://lutheranwomen.ca/publications-and-forms/tapestry. The magazine is published four times a year and is available in print, large print, audio and via download.
©2018 LWML-Canada