Treasures And Trophies of Fact

As indicated by the heading of today’s offering, we are receiving two in one, meaning two lights of the seven-branched candelabra-like Bible text.

Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.  Luke 2: 10.

For the past days, we have shared in inspiring, challenging and compelling living words of wisdom, truth and sincerity. So powerfully stirring have they been, I am sure that like me, many have been left with no choice but to down our excuses and laziness towards our worship to God and up our love and service to Him with urgency and alacrity. To this point we have been led and fed by our Lord as facts Trinity, Testimony, Truth and Trinkets were offered to us.

Now we receive on the fifth and sixth lights of the seven-branched candelabra-like Bible text. They are the Treasures of Fact and the Trophies of Fact. First we need to make this subtle, but decisive distinction between the words treasure and trophy.

When we speak about treasure we are speaking of the fact that God’s Word in itself is a treasure, as He is His Living Word.  Jesus the Word made flesh is a treasure in all its entirety and even the tiniest portion, the most insignificant piece, if there is any, is worth much more than the accumulative treasures of the world. In one of His teachings, Jesus spoke of treasure and the Kingdom of heaven. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure buried in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field. Matthew 13: 44. We are adopting this meaning of treasure, as that which is there to be found. We find unlimited and untold treasure in God’s Word and we do all that we can to keep such eternal riches.  

When we use the word trophy, we are looking at what one wins or is rewarded with as a result of some work achieved or done. Unlike Treasure which you find, trophy is what you win. The understanding of trophy is given good explanation by Paul to the Corinthian believers, when he speaks about winning the prize or trophy. Just by reading these verses, one is given clear understanding of trophy.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9: 24 – 27. Trophies then are what one receives after some disciplined exercise or work of achievement.

How do these described words relate to our week’s text? Remember, we are at the fifth and sixth lights of the seven-branched candelabra-like Bible text.

The Fifth light displays the Treasure of Fact - I bring you good tidings of great joy. Previously, it was noted that God’s Word in itself is a treasure. Uncompromisingly so, we are more than blessed, joyful and utterly in awe that we have not just received our Lord’s treasured word, but it is how it has come to us. This is God’s heavenly representative, who has come especially down from heaven to bring this treasure of a word to us. I bring you. The pronoun, I, gives us a depth of privilege and undeserved honour, when by faith, we know that we are hearing God Himself in His angel. Is this not an untold, priceless treasure to know God’s treasured Word, in His heavenly angels?

The Sixth light displays the Trophy of Fact - Which shall be to all people. The understanding of trophy comes to us in this light. The Good Tidings of Great Joy is for all people. Quite true! Nevertheless, as with the race spoken of by Paul, all do not win the trophy or prize. One has to be temperate and extremely disciplined indeed to receive the good. Unless true faith is exercised and trust knows no additions, the sad reality is that even though the Gospel News is preached and reached to all, many will forfeit its trophy or prized reward, by being disqualified, so to speak. These are factual words given to us by John, Jesus’ disciple. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who doesn’t believe shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides in him. John 3: 36. Look carefully and you will observe that both treasure and trophy are embedded in this verse.

Be an unruffled and unwavering witness of God’s Treasure and Trophy of Fact in your life, displaying our Invisible God’s seen authority and power in your life.