Long forgotten?

He said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in God's kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it." (Matthew 13:52)

I enjoy watching the older movies where life just seemed to be a little easier and less complicated. The simpler times have an intrigue all their own. The struggles to remain true to the convictions when times are quickly changing around us is a reminder to all of us of the speed of change that demands our attention today. What touches me the most is those older movies is what I would call simple trust - in their neighbors, in their family, and in their God. God has much in store for us, but we have to remember there is something very important about 'simple trust' when it comes to seeking his direction or intervention within our lives. The student well-trained in God's Word is the like the owner of a small general store - able to put their hands on anything needed - exactly when it is needed! I never really thought of what study of the Word does for us quite this way, but it is true. It is this idea of "access" that Jesus is reminding us about today.

We often have "access" to many things. I have access to a copy machine at work. In fact, I have access to a laser printer, copier, and fax machine without having to walk more than 20 feet. Yet, none of these office machines are mine. I can "use" them in the day-to-day operation of my work, but I don't get to take them home at the end of the day. They are not owned by me. Access is the ability to "use" these items only. I have been granted "permission" to utilize them, and I can grant permission to others to utilize them as they have need, as well. They appear as a option in my printer dropdown menu, but I still don't own any of those items listed in that menu. As Jesus is speaking with his disciples, he refers to being "students" - well-trained in God's kingdom - equating them to being like store "owners". The one who owns the store is able to access anything within the store whenever the need arises. The one who merely "purchases" from the store is one who must seek permission to purchase what is needed - they need 'special access'. Being a disciple of the Word is like being the keeper of a vast storeroom of "good stuff" you may "access" at any time.

New or old - exactly when you need it - the storeroom is packed full. Here's the joy of becoming a student of the Word - the vastness of the resources available to you! Some truths will be like the pillars of a building - holding us strong through thick and thin. Other truths will be used less frequently, but like the fine china that comes out on special occasions, they grace our lives with beauty. Then there is the cumulative effect of one portion of the Word adding to another - providing wisdom for our journey and sustenance to our soul. It is often in the "de-cluttering" of our lives we find out just how blessed we are - what accumulated 'wealth' we really have been given access to freely! Sometimes we "clutter up" our storeroom of faith with all kinds of things which only serve to push the good stuff to the back, making "access" a little more difficult. Maybe we need to "de-clutter" our spiritual storerooms a little, too. In so doing, we may find treasures we'd long forgotten! Just sayin!