“…Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
--Colossians 2:2b-3 (ESV)
I push open the metal door and step out into humid heat. My eyes must adjust to the stark sunlight, and I’m then surprised by what I see. I thought I’d fully explored the church buildings and grounds, but I somehow overlooked Cobham Park’s prayer garden. In my defense, it’s easy to miss this out-of-the-way refuge tucked between the sanctuary and fellowship hall. I take in the scene: simple but well-kept landscaping, a brick path, an arbor, and a bench. It’s all perfectly undistracting. My heart instantly warms to such places (I’m sure it’s the introvert in me).
I soon notice a single plastic Easter egg nestled in the mulch. Sun has now bleached its color. This is good evidence of an Easter egg hunt held months—or maybe years--ago. A few eggs often remain in hiding long after the last child leaves with a full basket.
My part in church life often feels like an Easter egg hunt. Every week, I come upon new Jesus-treasures. One would think that after twenty years of preaching and teaching about Jesus, I’d be running out of material. But there seems to be no end to searching out who He is, and the basket of my heart always has room for more. I’m like an excited preschooler finding Easter eggs everywhere I turn. Each aspect of Christ’s life offers help and delight. His compassion, His anger, His patience, His weariness, His purity, His courage, His temptations, His piercing insight, His joy, His humility, His weakness, His faith, His prayers, His healing, His pain, His peace, His dying, His resurrection power--and much more—are always coming to light. None of us has come close to plumbing His depths. Something will always remain in hiding for later. Even in the things I think I already know about Jesus, deeper wisdom awaits discovery. Christ’s character is like a priceless multifaceted diamond. Turn that gem in the light, and new prismatic rays will sparkle in and out of view. One never tires of such an endless variety of beauty.
The treasures of Jesus are also changing us little by little; His character shapes ours. More than study, this is the process of sharing Christ’s life in daily experience. I have many hopes for myself and this church, but none compares with the ever-deepening joy of knowing Christ!
Leave a Reply