Ravi Zacharias is an evangelist I really enjoy listening to. In one of his sermons, he tells a story when he went to Bedford, England, to visit the John Bunyan Museum. John Bunyan was a 17th century preacher and writer who wrote acclaimed Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegorical story of the gospel. At one time it was only second to the Bible in popularity. It is still the most famous Christian allegory in print today.

Pilgrim’s Progress is about the adventures and trials of Pilgrim as he travels from his home, the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. On his journey, Pilgrim is able to finally rid himself of his heavy burden of sin when he encounters the marvelous message of the gospel.

As Ravi went to the front hall to purchase his tickets, he commented to the lady selling tickets how amazing it was that an ordinary mender of pots and pans (John Bunyan) wrote a book of such profound impact around the world. The woman paused and then replied, “I suppose so. I haven’t read it.”

Ravi wondered how one could be so close to a treasure and go for the wrapping instead.

If we are not careful, something similar can happen to us. From the printed page, to the internet, to television, to all the churches in abundance, we can be so close to the truth and yet not have its reality in our lives.

What about you? The gospel of Jesus Christ can change your life and mine. It is so close to us. Have we missed it while being surrounded by it?

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

This Christmas, let’s not go for the wrapping and miss the true Treasure inside.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

~Today’s devotional was inspired by Ravi Zacharias’ sermon called Why Hope?