Treasures in the Snow
God asked Job, “Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” (Job 38:22-23) Scientists have proven the value of snow in improving soil and crops. For example, a blanket of snow enhances the growth of winter wheat and equally enhances fallow ground that farmers plan to use in the spring. Just as one appreciates the warmth of a thick cover in the wintertime, snow affords a similar warmth to the soil. Water levels increase with snowfall. God even uses snow to cleanse the air and stimulate the decay of fallen leaves and plants, preparing the earth for a new beginning. Indeed, there are multitudes of treasures in the snow!
True treasure hunters find immense joy in their search. The adventure itself excites them, and even the trinkets found in their search for the greater treasure are valuable. With diligence, they continue their pursuit, undaunted by the frequent disappointments. They know the treasure is real; the excitement of smaller evidence promises a larger reality. Therefore, they continue the meticulous search with increasing confidence.
How many are willing to seek within the greatest of all treasures? Several years ago, a preacher used the phrase “golden nuggets” as he described the treasures he found while studying God’s Word. Notice the inspired words of the apostle Paul: “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3 emp. mjd) Add to this the statement of Peter: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:2-4 emp. mjd) Consider those treasures! What marvelous knowledge and wisdom we gain from digging deep into the riches of God’s eternal Word! As Paul said, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33) Again, Paul wrote, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Why would the seeker of the greatest knowledge and wisdom available go anywhere else in search of this incredible treasure?
Man cannot improve God’s creation, and neither can man improve God’s word! These “treasure chests” of His greatness are unsearchable, meaning they are inexhaustible in their value and increasing benefits for the soul of man. Yet, mankind is reluctant to search His word, gleaning from it the knowledge and wisdom needed to grow in Christ Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). Sadly, they seem more intent on finding earthly treasures, treasures subjected to rust, moth, thieves, and other deteriorating things of corruption (Matthew 6:19-21). Worse are those souls who hypocritically appear to be searchers of God’s treasures within the scriptures, but in reality, are only readers at best. They seldom go deeper than the surface, thereby missing the hidden wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).
Let us never be afraid of digging deeper into the treasures of God’s word! The values are far greater than all the treasures of the snow, for they are eternal! They are only found when we diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Let’s be true “treasure hunters” of the riches of God the Father!