Devotional:
Jesus is The Real Treasure.
One of my favorite movies to watch as a family is National Treasure. If you have never seen the movie, the main character is Ben Gates, who spends his life chasing clues, riddles, hidden maps, and old secrets, all in search of a treasure that people say doesn’t exist. He faces trials and disappointments during his search, but here is the thing: he keeps going, keeps searching because he believes that the treasure is worth it. We should all be as tenacious when seeking Jesus, because Jesus is infinitely better than any other treasure we could ever find. No treasure in the world compares to the treasure Jesus offers us, a real life-changing relationship with Him. Ben’s search began with a clue, and God gives us clues, too. His Word! When you read your bible searching for Jesus, He is there written within every book, every chapter, every verse. The Word of God is our map to Jesus. Finding the treasure also requires sacrifice. During our 21 days of prayer and fasting, we sacrifice many things. You may give up food, your favorite drink, TV, and sweets. None of that means anything if we don’t surrender our hearts to our Lord. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. We must sacrifice our wants for Him. In the movie, Ben finds a mountain of gold, but our treasure is not gold but Jesus. Colossians 2:3, “In Him are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus is the treasure, the reward; he is worth the journey, the sacrifice, the endurance, and the pursuit, and He is not hiding. “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart,” Jeremiah 29:13. The treasure is not hidden, but He is waiting for you. How can you seek Jesus intentionally during these 21 days of prayer and fasting?
Question:
1. How can you seek Jesus intentionally during these 21 days of prayer and fasting?
Prayer:
Lord, help me treasure You above all else. Let my heart chase after You passionately, persistently, and with purpose. Show me the clues You’ve placed in Your Word and guide me toward a deeper relationship with You. You are the greatest treasure I will ever find. Amen.