God’s Riches—Much More Than We Imagine

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Feb. 28, 2017) A group of college students from Texas stood in a long line of tourists waiting to see the “afterlife army” of China’s first emperor, who died in 210 B.C. The Terracotta Army Museum is one of the greatest archeological sites in the world.

My son’s Mandarin-language instructor had planned the day trip from Beijing to Central China during a break in his study-abroad semester. But Weston almost missed out on the opportunity due to the hours-long journey by train. “They weren’t designed for people over six feet tall,” he explained.

It saddened me to think of my son staying behind, especially considering his fascination with China’s history and its leaders. However, when the instructor decided the group could fly, Weston was in for a truly memorable tour.

After stepping inside the cavernous exhibition hall, Weston wondered why some museum guards moved in behind him to close off the entrance to the crowd outside. But his attention quickly returned to the display of ancient figures before him: thousands of clay soldiers and horses—no two alike.

The terracotta army had remained hidden in the earth for more than 2000 years until 1974, when farmers digging a well discovered an ancient pit. Decades later, excavations have uncovered immense vaults of clay figures, along with artifacts in bronze, silver, and gold. And archeologists believe much more of China’s treasure trove is waiting to be unearthed.

That incredible and ongoing discovery provides an earthly example of the spiritual treasure waiting for those who seek to know God. The Apostle Paul wrote of God’s plan for salvation now unveiled: “the unsearchable riches of Christ… this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.”¹

Paul urged believers to discover: “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God… who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine….”²

My son exited the museum that day to an expectant crowd, a line of security guards, and a caravan of expensive cars with government plates. Weston turned back around in time to see two special tourists emerge from the exhibit hall: the Premier of China and his guest, the Chancellor of Germany.

Much more than expected.

[¹Ephesians 3:8-9; ²vss. 18-20; NIV Bible]

By Blue Ribbon News faith columnist Patti Richter of Heath.