Vincent van Gogh was practically unknown during his lifetime. His brother Theo was his greatest supporter. Vincent and Theo both died in 1890. Theo’s widow, Johanna, was left with an attic filled with Vincent’s paintings which, at that time were worth very little money. But like her husband, she thought Vincent had been an artistic genius, and that the paintings in her attic deserved to be recognized as masterpieces. She made that her lifelong goal.
Johanna preserved every piece, carefully sorting through the paintings and through thousands of letters between Vincent and Theo. She published those letters, revealing the heart, struggles, and brilliance of the artist. She organized exhibitions across Europe, lent key works to prominent shows, and strategically placed Vincent’s paintings in the hands of influential collectors and critics.
Her slow, relentless work began to change public opinion. By the time Johanna died in 1925, Vincent van Gogh was no longer an unknown eccentric; he was one of the most celebrated artists in history. Her son would later establish the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, ensuring that the world could view his masterpieces for generations.
Very few remember Johanna’s name. She had an attic full of paintings that the world did not value. She could have neglected them, even selling them for pennies at a yard sale. Instead, she proved to be a faithful steward of the priceless treasures left to her. It was her unseen, faithful stewardship that preserved and gave them to the world. Through her work, the name of the artist Van Gogh was magnified.
Believers have an even greater treasure. It is not the work of a human artist. We have been left with the Word of the King of Kings (2 Tim 3:16). In that Word, we have the message of eternal life. After a person believes in Christ for eternal life, the Word shows him how to lay up eternal treasures in a coming eternal kingdom.
We are to be stewards of that Word and to share it with the world. We can bury it in silence and mishandle it carelessly. Or, we can faithfully display it, magnifying Christ’s name to the world.
Matthew 25 records a story Jesus told about a master who entrusted his servants with talents — vast sums of money — to manage. Even the servant who received only one talent was given a treasure. But instead of investing it, he buried it. When the master returned, that servant, because he was an unfaithful steward, lost the reward he could have received. We can be unfaithful stewards of the treasure given to us. Or, we can be like Johanna. The young widow could have been angry, bitter, and resentful over the cards she had been dealt. Instead, she saw the true value of Vincent’s work and dedicated her life to it. We have a much greater opportunity: We are called to partner with the Lord in His work (Heb 3:1).
While the world may dismiss Jesus as a failed teacher who died a criminal’s death, we know the truth: He is the risen King, and the Savior who offers eternal life as a free gift to all who believe. We have been entrusted with the greatest treasure of all, and we must let the world know its value.
Like Johanna, we may have difficult circumstances, but the choice remains the same: Leave the treasure in the attic or be faithful stewards of it. Quiet, faithful labor may never earn earthly fame, but it carries the weight of eternity. While Johanna’s story reminds us that the world may forget the name of the steward, we should be encouraged knowing that the Master never will (Matt 10:32).
