“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep” (Psalm 107:23,24).
A few months ago I wrote that spiritual depths can yield quietness and stability. Today I would like to present another wonder the depths can yield. You can read about it in Deuteronomy 33:19:
They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.”
Hidden treasures
As we all know, treasures are usually hidden, and the more valuable they are the more concealed they can be. So from the very start we are left with such questions as: Are we willing to seek? Are we disposed to dig deep? Are we prepared to keep at it until the objective is reached? The moment we answer these questions positively and act accordingly, we embark on an adventurous expedition that will surely lead to glory. The expedition might be onerous and full of surprises. But the one who will press on all the way will certainly touch the exceeding great reward.
We read in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Therefore the degree of intensity with which we seek the object manifests the degree of faith we have in the existence of the object, and more so, the faith we have in its value. The question Jesus presents in Luke 15:8 is very revealing:
Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?”
The lost coin Jesus refers to was called “drachma”. It was the daily wage of a skilled worker. Therefore, according to Him, the woman would certainly seek after it because she knew and believed it was there to be found, and mainly because she knew its value. So she was going to search carefully until it was found.
Now, where do we stand in comparison? Do we know there are spiritual treasures to be found? Do we believe in their value? Sadly enough it is possible to have done four years of Bible College and yet be ignorant of this sort of knowledge. When this happens we are left with ministers seeking the earthly treasures more than the heavenly, exhibiting all the while a conduct which nullifies their very claims.
Hidden, and hidden deep
The Scripture states clearly that God has hidden treasures; and in His love and goodness He has told us where these treasures can be found.
For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:1–3).
So here we have it. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. And they are hidden deep because their value is stupendous:
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Rom. 11:33).
Treasures of darkness
Not only God has told us where His treasures are hidden; He has also promised to help us to reach them:
I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 45:2–3).
This portion of scripture, among others, makes clear that several obstacles will confront the aspirant. There will be crooked places, gates of bronze, and bars of iron. Yet the diligent seeker is reassured, for God will go before him and remove all obstacles. Through the Spirit, He will lead the one consecrated into the depth of darkness, for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10).
Then comes the third verse where we read about the treasures of darkness. These treasures are so called because they are so deeply hidden that no light can reach them. Actually the diligent seeker will have to cross the valley of the shadow of death if he wants to descent in the place of utter darkness where these treasures are hidden. Then, and only then, we will see who is consecrated and who is not.
The test of darkness
To trust God in the light is relatively easy. The real challenge consists in trusting Him in absolute blackness.
Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God” (Isaiah 50:10).
The person who walks in this sort of darkness may not know where he is going, neither why he must pass through these trials and hardships. Yet he obeys in outright confidence, leaning on the One for whom the darkness and the light are both alike (Psalm 139:12).
Amy Carmichael wrote in 1934: “There are some whom our Lord has so proved that He can trust them with any withholding, even the withholding of light.” These are those who experience the wonders of the depth. As for the person who makes plans the size of his understanding and walks at the light of his own fire and in the sparks that he has kindled (Isaiah 50:11), he will at best see and experience the pale treasures mortals offer. He will be left with empty shells on the shore and the dead information of collegiate achievements. What a contrast with the diligent seeker that reaps the fruit of revelations and jewels hidden in the dark.
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