Pearl of great price

(Matthew 13:46)  “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”

This is probably one of the better parables we can use to truly examine our hearts and see exactly when we stand in our relationship with our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ; how we view Him, will be easily seen in our commitment to Him. To what extent have we sold all we have to win Him? Throughout life we have all experienced some form of sacrifice when love has knocked. But the greatest love of all was our Saviour’s love for us, those who have realised His sacrifice, the way He sold all, how He left heaven and became a man, laying aside His powers as God and committing them to another, His Father. If that is not the greatest example of “selling all”, then I don’t know what is. Laying down His life for a people who had lost their view of God; Dying on a cruel Roman cross to free so many from the clutches of hell; how many is many? “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10) – His sacrifice will in turn save more people (sinners) than can be numbered by a man. And here is another reason for His sacrifice; “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Revelation 21:2)

When one makes a sacrifice it always has an objective behind it. Don’t most work hard through life so when the time arrives for retirement they can withdraw without to many financial worries? Don’t people take out life insurance policies which would force certain sacrifices throughout life as those monies are put aside into a policy for those left behind when death eventually knocks.

The Lord Jesus did not make His sacrifice without an objective, although He suffered more than any other man, it was worth it all, and if He didn’t believe that He would never have done it. His Father’s plan is an ingenious plan and is shut from those who chose to reject His sacrifice. This was why the Lord Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables; they who could understand would and those who couldn’t wouldn’t.  Without understanding the parable, they would never be able to understand the greater truths of God’s kingdom; “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?”

Our Husband the lord Jesus has proved His love to us, for Him who knew no sin to free those full of sin is almost an unbelievable concept and yet it holds true. This is how He chose to seek out his bride and there will be a wedding feast in heaven in the not too distant future. Will I be part of that ceremony, will you? Time will tell! However today is the day of salvation, call out to Him and you will be heard, do not wait until tomorrow, as tomorrow may elude you.

Back to our parable; to what extent have we sold all to convince our Saviour of our dedication and love for Him? Have we obtained the “pearl of great price”? I know I am way off the mark when it comes to my example, I also know that there is a lot more “selling off” that needs to take place in my life but by the grace of God I shall endeavour to pursue Him as I search out the pearl of great price, whatever the cost.

Today is the day of salvation, what will you do with Him?

Signing off

Tyrone Arthur