A Treasure Beyond Compare

I love Nepal. In my mind, it is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with vibrant green rice fields, snow-capped mountains, beautiful people, and blue butterflies the size of my hand.

One day several of us traveled outside the Kathmandu Valley into a nearby mountain. When the range rover could go no further, we got out and began to walk. My friend and I followed a path that led us to one of the most important memories of my life.

We encountered an elderly man sitting outside in the sun. Shyly approaching him, I offered him a Nepali gospel.

His eyes lit with joy as he took the Gospel and lovingly opened it, then held it close to his heart.

“All my life, I have been waiting for this book. I know the Hindu gods are not gods at all. I look into the sky, at the mountain ranges, and I know a Creator rules over it all. For many years I have prayed to the God who created me, asking Him to show me who He is. And now you have come!”

We talked a few minutes, and then he asked,

“How long has your country had God’s message? Did you just recently hear from Him?”

“No, sir. We’ve had this message for hundreds of years.”

His eyes narrowed in disbelief. “You had God’s words all your life? Why did it take you so long to come and share it? My family and friends died without ever hearing the words of God.”

Deep grief tinged his words as he shook his head. “Why didn’t you come sooner?”

Imagine our thrill at being used by God to answer the prayers of someone living on the other side of the world. But our joy quickly turned to sorrow and shame.

Since then, I’ve visited other places still without God’s words but where Coca-Cola had already reached. His question echoes down the years. Why does it take so long for lovers of Jesus to go to the unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ?

As I think of this experience, I am challenged. Do I really love and esteem the Word of God? Do I hold it as a precious treasure beyond compare as that Nepali man did? Do I pour eagerly over the pages as he did? Or do I carelessly move it to the side, thoughtlessly open the pages to read without being arrested with the wonder these are Almighty God’s words spoken to me?

 youI wonder. What place does the Bible hold in your life? Many of you will immediately agree it is a treasure. But have you ever read this book from cover to cover? If you don’t read it yearly, how will you know if you are obeying His words?

God calls us to treasure His words. Joshua said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

When Satan tempted Jesus, “He answered him, saying, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” (Luk 4:4)

Jesus is our example. He said where your treasure is, your heart is also (Mat 6:21, Luk 12:21 KJV).

One day, Jesus, who is called Faithful and True, will come on a white horse as KING of all Creation. The words coming from His mouth will be like a sharp sword to smite the nations. His vesture will be dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God. (Rev 19:11 & 13).