Your Open Word e-Devotional for February 26th

Published: Mon, 02/26/18

Hello ,

594,000 reasons to be excited. 594,000 reasons to be disappointed.

Let me explain. I just read a story that perhaps you been reading too; a story of intrigue, sunken treasure, and loss. The Odyssey Marine Company discovered the "mother-lode" of treasures in 2007 at the bottom of the ocean floor. It seems that the company uncovered the remains of a Spanish navy warship the "Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes.

Here's a picture of some of the coins that were taken from the recovery site:

Just an example of what was found by the team of treasure hunters in 2007. Can you imagine the excitement of this discovery? 594,000 coins; over half a billion dollars worth!

Can you imagine the disappointment of losing them all? Yes, the Odyssey Marine Company lost all of the coins to the Spanish government after a United States court ruled in the governments favor when they claimed ownership.

594,000 coins caused both excitement and disappointment.

I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. On one hand, the coins that were found were originally heading for Spain, and were clearly the property of that government. On the other hand, they never would have been found if the Odyssey Marine Company hadn't put time, effort, and finances into locating them.

Admittedly, there are many details that I don't know about the story, but whenever I see a story like this, it always reminds of another story in the Bible.

Today's scripture: Matthew 13:44

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

This parable is speaking about the treasure of God's kingdom. This treasure NEVER disappoints, and ALWAYS brings excitement to the one who finds it. It is far better than any earthly treasure that we can ever discover.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word