Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures
by K.J. Hopper

An old, battered chest lies undisturbed among life's discards.
From the natural eye, it seems to have lost all significant worth.
The tides of weather have all but destroyed its outer beauty,
while inside trinkets gathered long ago, await their destiny.
Could this be their final resting place?

I muse that the contents do not compare to today's opulent riches,
however, curiosity draws me closer and closer to the chest.
It is then that an inner voice speaks, "Open up your heart, my child,
for inside the tattered chest you will find riches beyond measure.
Its array, one of priceless gems whose eternal value is irreplaceable.

I thought, could this old chest possibly hold precious resources?
Slowly, I lift the lid, encrusted with pain and sorrow.
The cares of life having corroded its protective hinges,
while etchings of disgrace and sin marred its appearance.
Amazingly, once inside, its contents sparkle majestically.

Lying on top are the most cherished of jewels, Rubies
Beauties which speak of Love and devotion beyond self.
Their red tones vividly portraying the crimson blood of Calvary,
making announcement to the world that through their beauty
Redemption's price was paid - you can be set free.

A string of pearls graciously tarries in a small velvet case.
What a wonderful reward for those diligently searching.
Pearls corded with praise and clasped firmly by Truth,
giving way to a refreshing design of Hope.
How could one overlook such a pearl of great price?

Emeralds peek out and twinkle from among other glimmering gems.
Each greeting the weary, proclaiming Peace and contentment.
These flawless jewels soothe the hollow regions deep within the soul.
Inner turbulence is calmed by their unblemished shades of green,
Their message? Smiles can glisten in the midnight hour.

Tiny jewels called Faith are scattered in undefined formations.
In holding but one of these small beauties, Strength appears.
Faith’s radiance touching doubt's dark borders, bringing Courage.
Whatever these wonders lack in size, they contain in substance,
confirming man's worth is not in abundance but in character.

An intertwining of silver and gold reveals Trust and Honesty.
These superior alloys surviving the extreme severity of time,
thus exemplifying the importance of unfailing loyalty to a cause.
No, not caught in the present, nor neglecting the truths of the past,
but allowing the mouth to speak the refined purity of the heart.

Diamonds blaze brightly near the bottom of this magnificent treasury,
holding court with Bravery, thereby coming forth the victor.
Fine gems conquering the counterfeit facades of useless glitter,
creating a magnificent crown embellished in elegant grandeur.
Ah, these jewels acting as a beacon genuinely beckoning the weary.

Yes, opening the heart will unlock many Hidden Treasures.
Treasures not part of the accomplishments applauded by men,
but eternal riches once buried in mire and wrapped about the flesh.
Do I dare explore the many wonders within the cavity of my soul?
Oh yes, I must - for in seeking I will find jewels of everlasting value.

We are a privileged people to have access to the beauty that lies within the pages of His Word. May we humbly search for His Hidden Treasures.