I can’t imagine anyone not being excited by the thought of a treasure hunt. Holding the map . . . gazing at where “X” marks the spot . . . calculating what will be needed to make the trek . . . anticipating the discovery of riches. Jesus told a parable of a man who found treasure hidden in a field and invested everything he had in buying that field so that he would possess its treasure. And He told another story of merchant in search of pearls who, when he found one of great value, sold everything he had to buy it (Matt. 13:44-46). Treasure hunters seek treasure . . . and when they know they’re getting close to it . . . give their all to attain it. That was Paul’s desire for the Colossians . . .

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:1-3 ESV)

There! Do you see it? The “X”? The treasure? It’s “all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery” and “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Sound big? Sound valuable? Worth going after?

Divine wisdom . . . comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God (Amplified Bible) . . . spiritual knowledge and understanding and the assurance and conviction that is born from comprehending “the mystery” of God. Sounds intriguing . . . sound ambitious . . . sounds kinda’ valuable. And where’s it all found? In Christ. In Him is hidden this “out of this world” wellspring of riches.

When we lost people were found and saved by grace through faith . . . when He transported us out of darkness into marvelous light . . . when He made us new creations and made all things new . . . we were given the map . . . our blind eyes caught a glimpse of the treasure . . . our feet were set on the pathway. And Paul says that he agonizes, with a great contending desire, that believers would attain to all the treasures that are theirs. And that treasure is in Christ.

We’re closer now than when we were first saved. We’ve encountered some of the treasure along the way. We know there’s more to be mined and appropriated. We know we’re not alone in the pursuit . . . that the Holy Spirit of God has taken up residence to guide, strengthen, and encourage us to keep seeking the kingdom and its wealth.

Oh, to hunger and thirst for the treasure of knowing Christ and possessing the mind of God. To count everything as loss and invest it all in attaining the glorious riches of heavenly insight and comprehension. To press on, and keep pressing on, for not just a “head knowledge”, but the living knowledge of encountering and interacting with the risen Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit. To know that its not up to our ability but, just as the trek started by the grace of God, the full riches of Christ will attained also by the grace of God . . . and some holy determination on our part. That was Paul’s desire of the believers . . . some holy determination in pursuing the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Oh, that it might increasingly be my desire and passion and drive, as well.

Hidden in Christ . . . there’s treasures to be discovered . . . anyone up for a treasure hunt?