The Pearl of Great Value

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.”

When I was a young man I thought the “pearl of great price” (KJV) was forgiveness of my sins, redemption, and salvation. And as a young man I was correct. Their value is truly priceless. But at that time, I didn’t know what selling all that I had really meant. Plus, I also didn’t understand what Jesus was actually accomplishing on the cross. There was more.

In addition to salvation, Christ’s sacrifice reestablished the relationship between the Father and the sons and daughters of men. The door to the throne room was again open. Through Christ and by the help of the Holy Spirit we have been made alive in grace. The veil between us and the Father was torn apart. Mercy overrode judgment. And once more we can walk and talk with the Father in the garden of His peace. Christ’s gift to us!

Stopping to revel at the cross is good for a while. Being “born again” is wonderful. But just like a newborn baby grows and matures, so must the newborn believer. There is another pearl!

That pearl is known as the “abundant life.”

So, what is the abundant life and how do we get it? First, let’s settle the fact that the “abundant life” does not mean more cash or stuff. It goes way beyond owning things of this world. It is a spiritual world where the relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit becomes an intimate and holy fellowship with Them.

It starts with our thirst for the companionship of God. Deut. 4:29 (KJV) “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” God does not want us to dabble in the shallow end of the pool. He does not want us to play make-believe. His promise is that we will find Him, if we go all in! He is ready and waiting, so the desire for the intimate walk must start in our own hearts.

Once we have determined to “sell all that we have,” the Holy Spirit begins to root out all the clutter that has become lodged in our hearts over the years. And as we grow and are being changed into the image of Christ, we begin to experience the more that God intends for us. “In Abundance!”

The value of the things of this world fade into nothing. The infinite wealth of our spiritual life in Christ grows beyond measure. And now we own the “Pearl of great price!”

What say you?