A Parable

A family was on vacation, hiking through a field. They stumbled upon recently disturbed dirt. Their younger child, a boy, just knew there was buried treasure. After begging and pleading (and maybe some bribing) he got permission from his parents to start digging.

It didn’t take long for his big sister to join the work. It seemed like it was taking forever, so dad pitched in. Finally mom gave up and joined them. It was hot. It was humid. It was afternoon. If they didn’t get to a treasure soon, it was gonna be time to give up.

About 20 minutes later someone heard a clunk. Excitement built. They all dug faster and harder. Before long they were looking at a stunningly beautiful box, about the size of a gallon of ice cream. The more dirt they brushed off, the more beautiful the box became. They looked. Honestly, they delighted. The box was stunning, glistening in the bright, hot sunlight.

Mom decided it was time to get back on the journey, so they decided to put the box back for the next traveler to find and enjoy. Of course the kids wanted to take it with them, but mom and dad were able to convince them that the land-owner was also the treasure box-owner, so they continued their hike, grateful for an adventure into beauty.

A second family happened upon the same field, not two days later. Except for the fact that both children were boys, the stories were nearly identical. Until the end.

The second dad decided it might be wise to open the treasure box and see what was on the inside. Having already been captivated by the beauty of the box, they were absolutely speechless at the sight of what was in it. The container was stunning; the contents were indescribable.

The family decided they should change jobs, schools, and everything else in their world to buy that field, build a home there, and have endless access to the treasure. 

What the first family missed out on, the second family was changed by. And all because the dad simply opened the box.

This parable is about worship. Most of us are enamored with the boxes. We marvel at the preaching, the music, even the people doing those things. We enjoy the wrapping so much we forget to pursue the treasure. Could we agree that we won’t stop with the container (worship) but pursue the treasure (Jesus)?

Here’s how He said it, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” - Matthew 6:33 (NLT)