The Search For Hidden Things
We Need To See Things Differently To Find Healing
by Eric Elkin
“From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Have you ever been frustrated looking for a hidden object? Something you know is there, but you cannot find it. The answer probably depends upon the circumstances. Many people enjoy the challenge of a search. If you think about it, most of the games you play are built on this premise. Something is lost, and you need to find it.
The other day, a member of my congregation described his passion for geocaching. It was fascinating listening to him. I didn’t realize how advanced this recreational activity had become in recent years. Technology has turned this “game” into a science.
If you are not familiar with it, geocaching involves the search for hidden treasure. I use the term “treasure” loosely. The most valuable “treasure” in the world of geocaching is a twenty-year-old can of beans.
In geocaching, a person hides an object or a collection of objects in a remote location. The objects are placed in a waterproof container called a “cache.” Then the person invites the world to discover it.
Listening to him talk, I started to wonder if I would enjoy this activity. The idea of walking in the woods sounds lovely. Using my phone’s GPS system to locate a hidden treasure seems fun. However, depending upon the length of the search, I could see myself becoming frustrated.
“Eventually you will come to understand that love heals everything, and love is all there is.”
When an object is too difficult to find, I lose my patience. Then the fun game turns into a purpose-driven mission. The longer the search, the more likely it will become a battle between myself and the lost object. When in full battle mode, I lose perspective. The game is now a matter of life and death, and the search is laced with profanity.
This seems odd for a person who has spent his entire life searching for a hidden object. Or, should I say, a thing often left unseen. Exactly where is the kingdom of heaven? Jesus says it is near, but I have a difficult time finding it. Some days the search gets outright maddening.
Jesus says the key to finding it is to repent. What does that mean, repent? Most people tell me it means to stop doing bad. This makes the search even more confusing. What those people see as good, I do not. What I think is right, they consider horrible.
Repent actually means to change your mind or to look at something differently. Jesus is not yelling these words, but inviting us into a different kind of search. We are looking for a kingdom that does not look like anything else we know on earth. This kingdom connects the invisible power of heaven with the visible reality of earth.
Like a heavenly game of geocaching, Jesus gives us the coordinates for our search in his ministry. The good news, the location of the kingdom of heaven, is found in healing. If we want to find the kingdom of heaven, go where there is healing. Some times the healing we need is to see things differently. We need to see life where there is death, hope in despair, and joy in sorrow.
Click to read Matthew 4: 12-23
Reflection Questions:
Do you enjoy games involving a search?
When does the search become frustrating?
How often do find the search for spiritual things frustrating?
Where do you go to find the spiritual healing you need?
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