Reflection
Be the One
One of my favorite Scriptures says,
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
-Matthew 6:21
Years ago, my middle child drew a treasure map on the wall in our hallway while I was at work. This five-year-old created quite a masterpiece under the supervision of my husband! It was complete with winding dotted lines leading to a large “X” marking the spot where the treasure would be found.
When I think about that treasure map, I am reminded that every story in the Bible is a mission. Each one is filled with trials, temptations, and choices. Along the journey toward the treasure, there are often booby traps, snares, and distractions that can pull us off course.
This morning’s first reading tells us about the queen mother Athalia who, after her son, King Ahaziah, is murdered, tries to eliminate all other royal heirs in order to secure the throne. Jehosheba, the sister of king Ahaziah, hides her baby nephew Joash in the temple for six years, while her husband, the high priest Jehoiada, educates him and later leads a successful uprising to crown Joash as king and overthrow the murderous Athaliah who turned to worship of Baal. Jehosheba, on the other hand, remained faithful to God’s covenant and played a vital role in preserving God’s plan by hiding Joash until he could be declared king.
After Joash was revealed as king, Jehoiada renewed the people’s commitment to God. He made a covenant between the LORD on one side and the king and the people on the other, declaring that they would be the LORD’s people. He also established a covenant between the king and the people. In response, the people turned away from Baal completely. They went to the temple of Baal, tore it down, and destroyed its altars and idols. Their covenant with God was not just words—it led to action and wholehearted devotion.
Their example reminds us that we must be willing to be the one who stands firm. We must equip ourselves with God’s Word, seek the truth, and keep our eyes fixed on Him.
God is the treasure we are seeking. As we follow Him, we strive to avoid the traps and distractions that lead us away from our ultimate goal—eternal life in Heaven.
May we choose each day to be the one who remains faithful, renew our covenant with God daily, and follow the path that leads to the greatest treasure of all.
