Traditions

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

What glory could God possibly gain by concealing something? For that matter, what glory could possibly be found in searching for something? Well, I look at it this way: we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). “In His image” doesn’t just pertain to our physical attributes but to our emotions as well. Think about this for a moment: how much joy (as a parent or otherwise) does it bring to you to conceal or wrap a present for a loved one? Think of how you, the wrapper, feel on Christmas morning as the presents you picked, specifically for each person, are opened.

Now, think about the other part of Christmas morning. You are now the one receiving the gifts. They are bundled up in boxes, wrapped with colorful paper, topped with shiny bows, and labeled with your name. Think of the joy that you have opening a gift from a loved one, realizing the time that they spent thinking about what you wanted or needed and the money they invested in acquiring it for you. Then think about the extra time and effort they went through to wrap it up and place it under the tree just for you.

Well, this is what God has done for us, His children, with His greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ. I’m not going to say that Jesus hasn’t been revealed; that’s why we have the New Testament. But what I am saying is that God has concealed Him, Jesus, in the Old Testament for us to search out and discover as we live into our Christian lives.

Think of the glory it brings to God when we open His Word, the Bible, and actively search the texts for His Son. Sure, there are points and lessons in there about finances, marriage, relationships, and parenting, but the most important part of the Bible is discovering Jesus Christ in it! This is what brings glory to God: the recognition and active seeking of His Son. This is what fosters a relationship with Jesus, seeking Him, not just His answers.

From our end, the glory to us is found in the search. Blessings, honor, favor, power, peace, happiness, joy, love, patience, kindness (and the list goes on), are all for when we search for and find the hidden Jesus in the Word. (“and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:6) If we are made kings then our glory is found in the search. When we read the Bible looking for Jesus, the joy that comes when we finally recognize Him is incredible.

We have certain things that we do in our lives as tradition. We wrap birthday presents and Christmas presents and eagerly watch as they are torn open by our children and friends. We take our children out on Easter and hide candy and treats in plastic eggs. We hide those eggs all over the yard and allow our children to find them and enjoy what hidden treasure is tucked inside. We, the parents, get great joy from concealing gifts and hiding Easter eggs. Is it completely insane to think that God (in whose image we are created) also enjoys the thrill of wrapping gifts and the excitement of watching us open them? Could it be that God the Father truly enjoys watching His children “hunt” for their Easter treasure, Jesus?