Treasure at the White Wash

Growing up in Albuquerque was filled with adventure. For some reason, most of us kids were natural hikers. One of our favorite destinations was “the white wash,” a magnificent rock formation where storm waters would occasionally rush through, leaving the smooth, massive stones gleaming white once dry. It seemed like a rite of passage, though I only ever knew boys who made that trek—no girls that I can recall.

My brother was one of those fearless desert floor explorers. He had an uncanny eye for discovering treasures, especially up at the white wash. Among the most prized finds were Indian arrowheads—mysterious artifacts washed down from somewhere unknown, patiently waiting for my brother’s keen eye to spot one. He would stoop, snatch it up, and continue the climb, as if guided by a sense of sacred discovery.

Though the white wash was city property, everyone seemed to understand that it held special value. It reminds me of the story Jesus tells in Matthew 13: a man discovers a hidden treasure in a field—an extraordinary, life-changing find. With joy, he sells everything he owns just to buy that field. Why? Because what lies hidden there is more precious than anything else he has.

In the same way, Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of God holds treasures far greater than anything we could ever find on earth—eternal life, divine forgiveness, and the transformation of our hearts through faith. No earthly possession, not even an ancient arrowhead gleaming in the New Mexico sun, compares to the surpassing worth of God’s Kingdom.

Like the man in the parable, we are called to give our all to be part of this Kingdom. Christ gave His life so we might enter it. In response, we offer ourselves—our time, our devotion, our very lives—fired up with the Holy Spirit’s enthusiasm and a desire to please God. Together, through united faith and loving action, we show the world the true meaning of Jesus’ abundant life—here, now, and forever.

Scripture:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and reburied; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” —Matthew 13:44

Prayer:

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You are the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Thank You for the treasures of Your Kingdom—eternal life, forgiveness, and the renewing work of faith within our hearts. Help us to recognize what is truly valuable in this life and to pursue You above all else. Stir within us a desire to walk in Your ways, to seek You earnestly, and to offer our lives in joyful devotion. May we reflect Your abundant life and lead others to discover the treasure of knowing Jesus.

In Christ's Name we pray,

Amen.

With you in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Patricia E. Walker

Alpha Church, www.AlphaChurch.org

PO Box 33097, Tulsa, OK 74153

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Jesus is the Alpha—the beginning of our faith and the source of our lives!

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Prayer Requests:

Latisha, David's adult daughter, died unexpectantly and without warning. Healing prayer for his family during their sorrow.

The flooding in Southern Texas with loss of lives at the girl's Christian Camp and along the river. Prayers for parents and families in sorrow, and for friends who were a part of the tragic day's events. May our Lord's comfort and compassion touch their hearts.

Prayers that they find Cile Steward, from the Mystic Camp flood in South Texas.

Cody and Megan, and baby boy, Jesus' healing from injuries in car accident in Temple, Georgia.

Young Hazel, healing for her adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo, increased prayers.

Young John who is struggling to get healed from cancer.

Young Wyatt, who was hit by a car

Baby Ashley, under doctors' care

Young Cooper, facing complications related to leukemia

Young Ryder, with a serious form of cancer

A nearly teenage girl, recovering from a heart transplant

Kevin B., facing cancer concerns due to brain tumors. Update: Brain tumors stopped growing. Increased prayer for tumors growing in his lungs, for healing.

Young Lawson and family, battling blood clots and recovery challenges

Lennon, a toddler whose cancer has relapsed— prayers for healing and renewed hope

Waylon B., who has a brain tumor

Jake C, born 12 weeks early, prayers that he thrive

Colton, a teenager in a terrible car accident, multiple surgeries already, healing from Jesus.

Branson, healing for t-cell acute lymphoma leukemia. Prayers for healing for this young boy.

Prayers that Israel be spared any more distress in the Nuclear Protection program that is initiated with Iran.

Healing prayers for family and friends of the airliner which crashed after takeoff in India.