The Treasure 

AURELIO’S STORY 

When young missionaries, hiked on foot into the very remote hills and mountains of Durango, Mexico, Aurelio, and many more were reached through their efforts, as they first encountered the Holy Scriptures that would later transform many lives. With no formal education, their appreciation of the Bible, also became the means for teaching themselves to read! Aurelio’s beloved wife, his daughter, and two devoted daughters-in-law, continue to diligently search the Scriptures together. When visitors arrive, they are welcomed and then immediately asked to explain a passage they have been puzzling over! Soon after this photo was taken, Aurelio’s earthly life came to a close, in June 2017. 

This photograph was typical of Aurelio’s love of the Word, and his faithful perseverance as a follower of Jesus for many years. My missionary friend’s caption under this photo read, “At 92, the Bible is still precious to Aurelio!” 

It is my prayer, that this painting will promote the life transforming power of the Gospel, and the love and appreciation of the treasures and discoveries found within the pages of the living Word of God! 

ABOUT THE PAINTING 

The light and color radiating from within the pages, are to indicate the life and illumination that come from the written Word of GOD. 

• Psalms 119:105; Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light for my path. The Scriptures contain living power to search out the inward heart and spirit of man.

• Hebrews 4:12; For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Just as the image projects the light from within the Word, it also becomes a light within us, shining out into an increasingly dark and troubled world. 

• Ephesians 5:8; For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

• Philippians 2:15,16; that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life…

Depicted in the swirling watery light under Aurelio’s hand, are the living waters of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus said would flow from those believing in Him. 

• John 7:38,39; He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water. But He said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive.

The penetrating focus etched into the countenance of our friend, is the Berean character we are told to possess when searching out the truths found in God’s Word. 

• Acts 17:11; …they received the Word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. We also experience great joy as God speaks to us in the discoveries and treasures found in the study of God’s Word!

• Jeremiah 15:16; …and Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by Your Name, the LORD, God of Hosts.

The lettering and script used to indicate the type on the pages, is not separated, like our English translations, but run together as you would find in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the English number 3 chapter heading, is to insure the viewer connects the image to their own copy of the Word. 

Finally, “The Treasure” is two-fold. Not only are we to treasure the precious gift of God’s Word to us, but He also treasures those who receive Him and walk in the light of His presence. 

• John 8:12; Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."