August 17 Daily Devotional

28 Jul August 17 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

AN HEIRLOOM

Colossians 2:1-3 “I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

When I read these verses today, I immediately thought of the English word “heirloom.”  That in turn caused me to think of a doll my wife received from her grandmother.  It was given to her grandmother as a young child.  It now resides in an antique high chair in the corner of our bedroom.  Debbie hopes to pass it on to the next generation.

An heirloom is something of value that has been passed on to someone else.  As you read Colossians 2 it should  be obvious St. Paul has a great fondness for the people at Colossae.  He says it was his goal to encourage them in their faith journey.  He was determined to pass on to them what he knew about Jesus Christ because “in Him is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  The Greek word treasures is defined as a box filled with something valuable.

The faith you have been given in Jesus, your relationship with Him as your Good Shepherd, is a priceless treasure.  It is described by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount as “treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20) See the hymn below where the hymn writer refers to Jesus as a “priceless treasure.”

Jesus instructed His Disciples in regard to the value of their soul with the rhetorical question, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26) Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 and 16 address the priceless treasure of faith in His Son  you have been given by your heavenly Father.  Believing in Him you have the treasure that no one can take from you and will remain with you through all eternity.

Prayer:  Jesus, You are my priceless treasure.  Send Your Spirit into my heart daily to strengthen me in my faith in You through which I have the assurance of my eternal home with You, the Angels and all the saints.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me,

Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for Thee?

Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!  I will suffer naught to hid Thee;

Naught I ask beside Thee.

In Thine arms I rest me; Foes who would molest me Cannot reach me here.

Though the earth be shaking, Ev’ry heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear.

Lightnings flash  And thunders crash; Yet, tough sin and hell assail me,

Jesus will not fail me.

Satan, I defy thee; Death, I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease.

World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me While I sing of peace.

God’s great pow’r Guards ev’ry hour; Earth and all its depths adore Him,

Silent bow before Him.

Hence, all earthly treasure! Jesus is my pleasure, Jesus is my choice.

Hence, all empty glory! Naught to me thy story Told with tempting voice.

Pain or loss, Or shame or cross, Shall not from my Savior move me

Since He deigns to love me.

Evil world, I leave thee; Thou canst not deceive me, Thine appeal is vain.

Sin that once did blind me, Get thee far behind me, Come not forth again.

Past thy hour, O pride and pow’r; Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,

Leave thee now forever.

Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.

Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather,

Still have peace within. Yea, whate’er I here must bear,

Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure!

(LSB 743)