Words from the Rock
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:45–46 NIV
Salvation is free, right? Or is it? We know that we can’t write a check and purchase our faith. We know that anyone who tries to get us to open our wallets and pull out some money to purchase God’s forgiveness is a fraud. Yet Jesus is telling another story about the cost of something. What does it mean?
In this parable a man is searching for valuable pearls. He finds a single one that’s so exquisite, so valuable, he can hardly believe it. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have enough money to buy such an incredible pearl. So he goes off and sells all he owns just so he can come back and purchase that perfect pearl.
Okay, we already know that the perfect pearl represents Jesus and God’s kingdom. But the fact that Jesus is repeating parables like this (first the one about the treasure in the field, and now this one) suggests that this is extremely important. He wants us to get it.
Jesus is telling us to invest ourselves completely into our faith. No holding back. No cheapskates allowed. Maybe it’s because he knows that we get what we pay for—in this case, spending all we have in order to receive all we need. And if we consider our “everything” (which isn’t much) compared to God’s “everything” (which is beyond what we can imagine) . . . well, he’s only offering the best deal on the planet. So why hold anything back?
My Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to get this, to wrap my head around the fact that you want me to give everything so you can give everything back.
Amen.
Final Word
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 NIV
Stone for the Journey
I am willing to pour out all I have to receive all God has for me.