The Value of Antiquities

# The Value of Antiquities

After a former United States veteran passed away in Massachusetts, his family discovered 22 Japanese antiques hidden carefully in the attic, including a hand-drawn map, ceramics, and portraits of Okinawan kings, some dating back to the 1700s. The veteran's family notified the authorities to collect these antiques and return them to Japan. Geoffrey Kelly, an FBI agent based in Boston who oversaw this matter, stated that, "These antiquities form a culture. Without them, history is also lost. Therefore, what is truly important for us as stewards of artifacts and cultural heritage is to make every effort possible to return these things to the civilization and culture of the nations where they belong." When Japan received news of these antiques, they were delighted to recover these precious historical treasures that had been lost for many years! They planned to hold a ceremony to welcome these historical relics back home. (1)

Historical antiques hold tremendous value for each culture and nation. For example, the "portraits of Okinawan kings" hold very important historical significance for the Japanese people. Similarly, for Christians, the Bible is a priceless "antique," because it is the "Word of God" spoken to us over 2,024 years ago. Historical artifacts discovered in Judea and Egypt, the Bible, fragments written in the original languages, are a priceless treasure and are displayed at the Bible Museum in Washington D.C., so that many can come and see how precious God's Word is. More remarkably, the Bible is not only historically valuable, but unlike other antiques, the Bible has never changed through thousands of years. Furthermore, the Bible has the power to transform people's hearts, to examine thoughts, to reprove, to teach, to correct, to give peace, joy, and strength to those who trust in and meditate on Scripture! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The value of the Bible exceeds anything we can imagine; the Bible comforts and guides believers on the right path, and through it, they are restored to life with God in Heaven. "Your words revive me" (Psalm 119:50), "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Thank God for leaving us the Bible—the Living Word! Let us always treasure His Word, let us meditate on it regularly each day, let us keep His Word forever; so that we may draw near to God and live in a way that pleases Him! Amen!

His Word is so precious, beloved, The Living Word throughout the ages, never to fade! We must meditate each day, Listen, learn, understand, obey, and practice! His Word reproves and watches over us, Correcting our thoughts to become more righteous and good! His Word steadies our steps, The Holy Spirit guides us, adding grace in every way! Trust in God's Word for peace, Thank Him for graciously giving us the Word, Worship God with all our hearts throughout life, Living to glorify God's Name forever more!

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