Search teams are extremely focused. Nothing distracts them from the person or persons they are seeking. Instead of being deterred by pieces of clothing or bits of supplies along the way, the searchers view these items as clues spurring on their efforts. Despite the tragic fatalities at Mt. Hood last December, family members of the mountaineers had only praise for the search and rescue teams. “We continue to be awed and humbled by their dedication and tireless efforts,” said the sister of one of the climbers who had succumbed to the elements.

God wants every one of us involved in another kind of search. The territory of our search has been outlined, and the object of the search has been made clear. Holy Scripture is the mountain we are to scour with our hearts and minds, and the object of our search is one who is near and dear to us. It is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39).

Do we get sidetracked? We all know the type of sidetracking (diversions) that can easily occur once the search territory is entered. Like an irresponsible searcher who finds something interesting along a path but forgets the object of the search, there are many today who find and quote Bible verses but see in them no relation to the Redeemer who is at the pinnacle. A politician, for example, may quote from Scripture to score a political point, yet nothing about his life indicates that the real purpose of the Bible—faith in Jesus—is understood and appropriated.

In our own case, however, could we be sidetracked even before we begin our trek into the territory? Are we distracted by so many activities and interests that it becomes a rare moment in our homes to curl up in the chair to read our Bibles? Then, when we do so, are we truly fixed on Christ-searching—that is, eagerly noting in our study matters of Law and Gospel, seeing how our own sins are condemned, but then studying intensely how the mercy of God’s salvation in Christ has secured our eternal redemption?

Treasure our Bibles as God’s Word. Pick them up and peruse them thoroughly. The object of our search will never disappoint us. Scripture has been written for the very purpose of making us “wise for salvation though faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).