The Treasure Hunt

For more than thirty years, archaeologist Howard Carter searched the deserts of Egypt for something that most people thought didn’t exist—the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Most experts believed that everything in the Valley of the Kings had already been discovered, but Carter continued his search. Eventually after five more years without result, Carter’s sponsor, Lord Carnarvon of England, declared that he would stop funding the search.

In November of 1922, during his final season of work, Carter uncovered a hidden staircase near the tomb of Ramses VI. He sent a cable to England which said, “At last have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact.” Carter had indeed located the tomb of King Tut, one of the greatest archaeological treasures every discovered. After months of careful work, the golden treasures of the tomb were cataloged and the first intact royal mummy ever found was removed from the place where it had rested for more than 3,000 years.

Carter’s search was driven by his firm belief that there was treasure to be found, though he could not be certain that he was correct. Unlike Carter, we have an absolutely guaranteed result of success and great reward if we search for the wisdom of God. Notice the certainty of the promise—if we receive God’s Word, if we cry out for it and seek it as treasure hunters do for precious metals, we will surely find what we seek.

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5