Treasures That Keep Opening
Layers that keep opening, discovering what Jesus already placed within.
Devotional Credit: In Christ, E. Stanley Jones, September 29
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Paul says that in Jesus are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Dr. E. Stanley Jones takes us by the hand and shows how this is both hidden and revealed. We know, and we do not know. We see, and we do not see. Not to frustrate us, but to invite us. Life in Jesus becomes a glad discovery, a steady unveiling that never runs dry.
Jones also reminds us that this discovery is shared. Our hearts are encouraged as we are knit together in love. Assured understanding is not found by analyzing life from the outside. It grows as we live from union with Jesus on the inside. God unfolds His mystery in the Messiah, and in the Messiah He unfolds Himself to us. As we come to know Him, we realize how much more there is to know, and that realization kindles desire rather than despair.
This is not a ladder of private achievement. It is a family treasure room, opened by grace. The more we live from our inclusion in the Son, the more the riches of assurance, wisdom, and knowledge shape ordinary days. We are not chasing novelty. We are receiving a Person who fills all things and fills us.
Thank you, Dr. Jones, for pointing us toward a lifetime of joyful discovery in Jesus. There is always another corner of His goodness to explore, another depth of His peace to enjoy, another facet of His wisdom to live out together.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have placed you in My Son. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You are complete in Him. I shine the light of the knowledge of My glory in your heart in the face of Jesus Christ. As you abide in Him, I lead you into all that I have already given. I open the eyes of your heart to know the hope of My calling, the riches of My inheritance, and the greatness of My power toward you who trust Me.
You died with Jesus, and you live with Him. Count this true. Present yourselves to Me as those alive from the dead. Walk in Him, rooted and built up, knit together with My people in love. I supply what you need by My Spirit, and I work in you to will and to do for My good pleasure. The life you now live in the body is by faith in the Son of God. In Him you lack nothing for life and godliness.
Set your mind on the things above where your life is hidden with Christ in Me. Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly. My joy is in you, and your joy will be full. I began a good work in you, and I will complete it. Keep looking to Jesus. As you behold His glory, you are being transformed from one degree to another by My Spirit.
Real-Life Analogy
Open a kitchen drawer with layers of trays. At first you see forks and knives. Slide the top tray, a second layer appears with measuring spoons. Lift that layer, and there are the tools you forgot you owned. The drawer did not change while you searched. You simply discovered what was already there. Walking with the indwelling Spirit is like that. In Jesus, the Father has stocked your life with every spiritual blessing. As you yield in the moment, more of what is already yours comes into use.
A practice for today. When a decision lands on your desk and you are unsure what to say, turn to Him before you reply. You might whisper, Lord, I trust You to draw out the wisdom You have already placed in me. Think through me, guide my words, and love through me in this choice. Then answer without hurry, confident that you are drawing from a fullness that is present, not from an empty cupboard.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Thank You that You have placed me in Him and have placed His life in me. I agree with You that I am complete in the Messiah. I receive the light You give, and I walk today in the assurance that every good thing I need for life and godliness is already mine in Your Son. Let Your peace, Your clarity, and Your love be expressed through me as I move through this day. Amen.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Colossians 2:2-3; Colossians 2:6-7; Colossians 2:9-10; Colossians 3:1-4; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 1:17-19; Ephesians 3:16-19; John 1:14-18; John 14:6-9; John 15:4-5; John 15:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7; Romans 6:4-11; Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 2:9-12; Luke 24:27-32; Romans 11:33-36; Proverbs 2:3-6; Psalm 119:18; Colossians 1:27