Found in a few stockings this past Christmas was a box of “Cracker Jacks”. Instantly childhood memories came to mind. As a child it was not the popcorn that was so exciting about that little box, it was the toy inside. All kinds of toys that probably were not worth a quarter were found in that box, and they were many times lost before the day was over. The modern box does not have the same enticement as now mostly small books or tattoos are the prize.
One can make the comparison between that small box of popcorn and the Bible.
God’s book contains a great prize inside of it, one that is exciting and should be enticing to every person on the face of the earth. The prize found in God’s book is eternal life. Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).
The soul will live on in eternity, either in heaven or hell (Matt. 25:46). Knowing that fact should lead all men to search out the prize found in God’s word.
The Bible holds the information needed, so that man can be saved eternally.
Apostles and other preachers directed people to follow God’s word. On the day of Pentecost Peter and the other apostles told the multitude about Jesus. They were told about the good Jesus had done and of the miracles He performed. Peter then told them that they had crucified the very Son of God. The crowd stopped Peter’s sermon wanting to know what to do, he told them to, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). They had to accept the offer given by God. So, must man today if they wish to receive the prize of eternal life.
To remain saved, one must continue obeying God’s commands. Paul wrote, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Cor. 15:1-2). The “prize” in the “Cracker Jack” box could last a long time if it was taken care of properly. The “prize” of salvation far more important than a toy will last through eternity if one takes care to be faithful to God.
Children who used to get the toy out of the box of popcorn, many times failed to read the instructions, they believed they knew how to put it together. Many think they know how everything should go when it comes to religion and salvation, so they do not bother to investigate the “Box” (Bible) itself. Isaiah wrote, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).
God is the Great Designer designing the heavens and the earth, giving man all, he needed to live; He also designed the plan for man’s salvation, including the giving of His Son for the sins of mankind. God gave mankind the “instructions” so that all could be saved.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
God provided for man’s spiritual wellbeing so that man can know he is in a right relationship with God.
However, this relationship is according to God’s plan and not man’s ideas. God’s book the Bible is truly worth more than anything in this world. This “prize” can be attained by everyone, but each person must look for it, find it and obey it to receive the prize.