Valued Treasure

Bible Reading: 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17

As Elise walked past her parents’ room, she noticed her mother pulling a box from the closet shelf. “What’s in that box, Mom?” asked Elise.

“It’s full of old keepsakes,” said Mom. “Letters from your dad, photos, report cards, things like that.”

“Can I see it?” asked Elise. Mom nodded and handed her the box.

Elise poked around and pulled out a flag. “Look at this!” she said after unfolding it. “This is so beat up. Why don’t you throw it away, Mom?”

“That flag was draped over my grandfather’s casket when he was shipped home from the war,” replied Mom. “He gave his life in service to that flag.”

“He died for this old flag?” asked Elise in surprise.

Mom smiled. “What I mean is that he died in service to our country’s flag,” she replied. “He died because he believed in our freedom.” She looked at the old flag. “He died before I was born, but that flag reminds me of him and of what he did for our country and for me. That’s why I keep it. It’s valuable to me.”

“Lots of soldiers died for the flag, didn’t they?” asked Elise.

“Yes—for what it represents,” said Mom. “It’s a symbol for our country and the freedom we enjoy here.”

Elise nodded. “I know something we have that has lots more value than the flag though,” she said. “It’s the Bible. My teacher at church told us many Christians throughout history have died for believing the Bible.”

“That’s true,” said Mom. “The Bible is God’s Word, and it tells us about the most valuable treasure of all—Jesus, who offers us freedom from sin and eternal life with Him. There are still places today where Christians are persecuted for believing God’s Word and following Jesus. Some are even killed because of their beliefs.”

Mom picked up the old flag, and together, she and Elise folded it. “When I remember that my grandfather was willing to fight and die for the freedom this flag represents, it makes me appreciate my country more,” Mom said.

Elise nodded. “And knowing there are Christians who are willing to give their lives for their faith in Jesus and His Word makes me appreciate my Bible more too.” BARBARA J. WESTBERG

How About You?

Do you realize the value of your Bible? Its content is worth far more than money. It tells of the greatest treasure of all—Jesus—and the freedom we can have through a relationship with Him. In some countries the Bible is illegal, and Christians risk their lives to read it and share its message with others. Be thankful for the valuable treasure God has given you in His Word.

Today’s Key Verse:
PSALM 119:72 YOUR TEACHINGS ARE WORTH MORE TO ME THAN A THOUSAND PIECES OF SILVER AND GOLD. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Treasure God’s Word.