Laura Anderson
Treasure is an odd thing to consider – in many instances, what we treasure shifts and changes over time. “Treasure” can evoke so many ideas – chests overflowing with gold and riches, beloved family heirlooms, or cherished relationships. It’s a tricky concept, precisely because there are so many ways to think about it. Often, treasure as a whole is dismissed as something bad – something that distracts us from God, something we make an idol of.
Treasure is a central theme in the parable of the prodigal son: I’m struck by how quickly the younger son (the one who set his mind on earthly things, building up treasure on earth, and making an idol of riches) realizes that his earthly idea of what treasure is and all treasure could offer, was not sustainable. It didn’t satisfy, and in fact, left him quite literally, empty: After that brief windfall of wealth and decadent living, his treasure ran out, and he was hungry, desperate, and alone. Perhaps you have found yourself in a similar situation, recognizing you’ve trusted treasures that were finite, limited, or otherwise empty. In assessing his predicament, he realizes that his father’s hired hands were cared for and fed. And so, the young, irresponsible son comes home, head hung, confessing his wrongdoing: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
In this confession, the son acknowledges that he treasured the wrong thing. We too, must admit that it is tempting to treasure the wrong thing. And yet, rather than offering scorn or dismissal, the father welcomes the youngest son home. He is embraced, there is celebration, and their relationship is restored. His other brother is displeased indeed – for he never got distracted by wealth or riches. He has remained with their father throughout the whole time his brother was off living his extravagant lifestyle; his indignation about their father’s generous love is abundant. I must confess, that there are days when I am like this older brother, buoyed by an air of self-righteousness, believing myself to have the true sense of treasure, unlike others. Thankfully, God’s mercy extends in those moments too.
God’s redemptive, welcoming love, is indeed the greatest treasure. And even if (when) we find ourselves like the younger son, enamored by that which is shiny and distracting us from God, time and again, we are welcomed and restored to relationship – with God and with one another. When we find ourselves frustrated at the generosity extended to those whom we deem undeserving, we too, receive grace and mercy. God’s treasure is unlike the worldly riches that run out, or idols which fall short.
Dear friends, I pray that as this Lenten season continues, you may rest in the promise of God’s sustaining, abundant treasure – God’s mercy, love, and grace. It is a treasure that sustains all of God’s people, restoring us time and again to relationship, granting us life, healing, and wholeness. Thanks be to God.
