Matthew 13:45, 46 (NASB) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Jesus gave this parable to show the importance of getting into heaven, in another example Jesus said that it would be better for us to cut off our hand if it causes us to sin. I think Jesus throughout the Gospels was trying to get it into our heads that we should be fully seeking God, without letting anything stop us, and not the riches on earth.
Why did Jesus use the word pearl?
Because back in those days pearls where considered one of the most valuable ornaments. People used to travel very long distances to get their hands on these pearls that came from the ocean, what effort was put into obtaining these pearls!
We read in Jesus’ parable that the person who found the pearl seen its value and was willing to sell everything he had; his house, animals and whatever he had. If he had a car back then, he would have sold it for this pearl. He sold EVERYTHING he had to get his hands on this beautiful pearl, it seems like nothing could stop this guy; he went out and invested ALL he had, for this pearl. What dedication!
Now keep in mind this guy did not accidently stumble across this pearl. Other translations say he was a pearl merchant, so this was his trade, finding pearls. So we learn that this person was looking for pearls, and I can imagine his joy when he found this object of great value.
Now let’s take the spot light off him and put it on us. What can we learn from this passage?
Well it’s simple. Heaven is the treasure. We have the desire to get into heaven and therefore seek it, hopefully with our whole hearts. When we seek something with our whole hearts and know the value (heaven), then we will not let anything get between us and our goal! That would mean putting God on first place in our lives, let God run your life. If your money is making you sin, do something about it. If your friends are, do something about that. What is stopping you from getting closer and closer to heaven?
By Jesus referring to us as merchants, He meant to say that seeking God is kind of like our profession. Being a Christian it is what we specialise in. now let’s show God what kind of workers we are… lazy or hard working? Are we dedicated?
From this parable that Jesus said, we can see that nothing here on earth compares to the value of our eternity in heaven, if we make it there. Nothing compares! The value is so high you need to grab onto the opportunity with both hands and hold onto it forever. Drop everything else out of your hands and grab a hold of heaven, seek it with all your heart and never, never let it go!
So what is holding you back?
What price do you put on heaven?
Are you willing to put God first and let go of everything else?
Now that’s something to think about!
David Nicoli.
Founder - Revival Herald Ministries
www.revivalherald.com
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