We are that pearl

Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Pearl harvesting can be an illustration of how the Lord takes us into His "shell" like an irritating grain of sand, and over time, covers us with His beautiful covering, forming us into polished and precious gems for his glory and delight. This image of sanctification takes the metaphor in one direction: but here is another interesting thought. The beautiful pearl inside the oyster cannot be seen or enjoyed without a great price being paid. The oyster must die. It must be torn open in order to find the treasure within. This speaks to us of the original foundation and source of our beauty. Jesus our Messiah had to be bruised, afflicted, torn and killed so that the beautiful treasures God intended us to be from the beginning could be discovered and released from the darkness of sin.

Each one of us is a treasure in the Lord's sight. We are His pearls of great value for which He paid the highest price! What a great honor -- even the greatest honor -- to be called sons and daughters of the Living God! Through His sacrifice, we become holy, and obtain the beauty and glory of eternal life.

We so bless the Lord when we radiate the polished beauty He alone can give us. Our works shine forth before men, glorifying our Father in Heaven and preparing the way for his coming Kingdom. Let's remember who we are and walk with this beautiful radiance. There are so many people who need to see, and know Him.

Dear Jesus, let us walk the life that You gave us with Your radiance shining forth so the World can see You in everything we do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

We are a pearl.

Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

I read a story that is a beautiful interpretation of Jesus' parable of the pearl and we wanted to share it with you.

In Matthew 13, we see that a merchant sold all that he had to purchase a single pearl. But why, of all things, a pearl? As a jeweler, I would question the choice the Lord made -- choosing to leave the Father's side for a pearl instead of what I would think has much greater significance, the much coveted diamond. You may know that the diamond is graded in value according to the 4 C's, Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat-weight. The answer to my pondering was right there! The diamond receives a substantial portion of its value from the way a person cuts it -- the work of man's hand! Interestingly, the only natural gemstone that has more value when it is found than when men finish with it is the PEARL!

In the same way, we can add nothing to the work of Salvation! God has paid the price for us in full -- and a tremendous price it was. The God of glory, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords left all the splendor of Heaven to claim this pearl. And He gained it by paying a price that was far more precious than any of us could pay.

Sometimes we get so busy and we don't take time out consider this incredible work of God in our lives. He has bought us with a price. We are fully paid, fully ransomed, fully redeemed! We are the pearls of great desire!

Dear Lord, help us always take the time to consider the incredible work that You have done for each of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Will You Give Your All?

Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

A jewelry merchant had a store in a large city, with many beautiful gems in it. Some were quite reasonably priced, and some were very expensive. But there was one stone in the store, a flawless pearl, which was more strikingly beautiful than any other, and this was displayed in its own case located in a prominent location, where everyone who came into the store could gaze at it in awe of its perfection. Many people, rich and poor, would come to that city from far-away places, just so that they could view it. There was no price shown, and most, recognizing its great value, would not even inquire as to the cost of it; but to those who did, the merchant would always answer,

"Ah, yes, that one! That one costs everything you have."

And no one was willing to pay the price, because it was too great.

Then, one day towards evening in the middle of winter, a beggar came into the store to escape the biting wind and freezing cold. He noticed the pearl in its display case, and, like everyone else, he was fascinated by it, unable to take his eyes off of it. Finally, he approached the merchant and inquired about its cost, and he received the same answer as the rest. The beggar went back to the display case, and spent a long time looking at this object of unique beauty from every angle, until at last he turned around, and taking off his worn overcoat, he handed it to the merchant behind the counter and announced,

"I will take it."

Without the slightest hesitation, the merchant unlocked the case and gave the pearl to its new owner.

At this point, an even more astonishing thing happened. Asking the beggar to wait, the merchant disappeared into the back room of the store. He came back in a few moments with his own magnificent fur coat draped over one arm, and a key ring in his other hand. With just a hint of a smile on his face, he handed both to the surprised beggar, saying,

"You gave me everything you had, and now everything I have is yours."

He then put on the beggar's overcoat, opened the door, and vanished into the night.

Much like us when we give our all to Jesus He gives His all to us.

Will you give Him everything today?

Dear Lord, we want to give You everything today for You to use. Help us be good stewards of what You give to us in return. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.