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String of Pearls

  "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV).

  Jesus wants us to think about the saving faith that we have from Him. What is our most precious possession? How do we respond to the gifts of life and salvation which God has given to us? Do we treasure them, or are we frivolous with them? And do we share our faith with others?

  Matthew’s Gospel is made up of 5 discourses, the best known being the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 13, the Savior explains what the kingdom of heaven is like using various comparisons. Essentially, he is saying to his followers, “Now that you know about the kingdom of heaven, what are you going to do about it?” Either our faith is our highest treasure, or we end up disregarding it completely. And if we treasure it, we will also share it.

  Which brings us to this short comparison of the valuable pearl. It is one of three comparisons packaged together in Matthew 13: a treasure in a field, a valuable pearl, and a net full of good and bad fish. They are a string of pearls.

  In ancient times pearls were bought and carried to be bartered and exchanged for food and shelter. This was especially true during times of war or uncertainty. We call that liquidity. To happen upon a valuable one was quite a thing.

  We can’t imagine the treasures God has planned for us in heaven. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “…no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." Our faith is a wonderful treasure discovery. Like buried treasure, salvation is hidden for many. In false religion, in good works, or in the burdened conscience, salvation is unavailable––indeed invisible.

  What joy it is when a person who has suffered the guilt of sin and realizes that he deserves eternal death in hell learns and believes in the forgiveness of Jesus! There are no sweeter words than, “Your sins are forgiven.” The message of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation become the most important thing in life and a treasure.

  But in God’s Kingdom with understanding also comes great responsibility. Besides his urging us to seek the costly pearl and the priceless treasure, the old Gospel must be proclaimed with zeal, new approaches, eagerness and determination. As long as the world stands, the treasure house of God’s Word has hope in the dark night of sorrow, comfort at the open grave, peace while the conscience accuses, and salvation as the doors of heaven open in the hour of death.

  They are wise who amidst all the uncertainties of the day hold fast to this one thing: the Gospel that tells that Christ died for us that we might be His own now and forevermore.