“Don’t throw out that lamp!”

I’m on the phone with my daughter…

“When I die,” I say in a cheerful voice…

“Don’t throw out that little old table lamp!”

“I know, Dad!”

There’s a hint of “I’ve heard this speech before” in her voice…

She’s right, of course.

I’ve told her how the lamp sat on a table in the center hall where I grew up…

How its light…

Filtering through the glass shade…

Chased the shadows to the corners of the hall.

How its metal top rattled against the shade whenever anyone walked past…

Improvising a one-note, off-key accompaniment to our daily lives.

Today, memories of the sound and the light from the lamp are treasures…

Treasures from a time that will never return.

Treasures bringing…

Comfort…

Reassurance…

Security.

But today there is new news…

News of hidden treasure discovered in the lamp…

“I saw the lamp online,” I tell my daughter.

“It’s worth a lot of money!”

Her shock equals my own.

Comfort was all I ever asked of the lamp.

Little did I know, it offered more.

For much of my life, comfort is what I have sought…

 From the world…

 Even from God…

And God has provided comfort…

…do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Little did I know, He offers more…

He offers hidden treasure …

A life of freedom…

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Life lived without fear…

… do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah 41:14

A Life lived with God in Jesus…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

A life lived in the kingdom of heaven…

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…Matthew 6:33

For the Kingdom of God is life’s true hidden treasure …

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Matthew 13:44