Our Daily Bread devotional, December 4, 2016 - The Treasure in Tomb 7

Topic: The Treasure in Tomb 7 [December 4, 2016]

Read: Psalm 119:161–168, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 47–48; 1 John 3

I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162

In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 at Monte Alban, Oaxaca. He found more than four hundred artifacts, including hundreds of pieces of pre-Hispanic jewelry he called “The Treasure of Monte Alban.” It is one of the major finds of Mexican archaeology. One can only imagine Caso’s excitement as he held a jade cup in its purest form.

Centuries earlier, the psalmist wrote of a treasure more valuable than gold or rock crystal. He said, “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil” (Ps. 119:162). In Psalm 119, the writer knew how valuable God’s instructions and promises are to our lives, so he compared them to the great treasure that comes in hand with the victory of a conqueror.

Caso’s name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist’s treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book.

Let us seek diligently with the confidence that this is the treasure that will enrich us. As the psalmist said, “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight” (v. 111 nlt).

Prayer: Father, I want to value the Scriptures as a treasure. Help me enjoy Your Word every day.

God’s Word is a valuable possession and a guide to life.

Insight:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It uses eight different Hebrew words (each of them found between nineteen and twenty-five times in the chapter) related to God’s “law”—God’s written Word. Often Psalm 119 describes God’s Word as being more precious than gold (see vv. 72, 127). If God’s Word is your most treasured possession, how is that reflected in your life? Have you considered memorizing verses that stand out in your mind as you hear them proclaimed, sung, or read? How might you plan during this annual season to incorporate more of Scripture’s joyful message into your life?

This message was written by Keila Ochoa [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]