Tuesday, August 09
THE PARABLE OF THE PRICELESS PEARL
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13: 45, 46
45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46) who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Jesus, in His teaching here, is likening the kingdom which He brought into the world to a merchant who is seeking precious pearls. What then is a pearl? This is a hard spherical substance formed within the shell of a mollusk such as an oyster. As a rare, admirable and valuable object it usually has a high price tag.
No wonder the merchant – or a business person – would go on a mission to search beautiful pearls. However, he came into contact with a particular pearl – a pearl of great price – which caused him to make some drastic move.
Having being involved in this trade could possibly mean he had accumulated some wealth and other possessions over time. Yet he went and sold all these so as to buy just one pearl. Exchanging all that he owned just for one object is indeed a great exchange.
Now, this man had absolutely nothing except that one pearl. This particular pearl was so rare, admirable, valuable he had to let go of everything before he could have access to it. All that he has now in life is just that one pearl.
You could imagine his family, friends and even fellow business companions making mockery of him and his decision. Many people would see him as a fool but he saw things from a different perspective. To him, this was the smartest move of his life.
As a merchant he could perceive that the value of this pearl was far precious and high than all that he previously possessed. What a practical lesson to pick up from this parable. What is that one thing that you need to prioritise over others? Do you have to make some drastic decision or move in order to get God’s best for you? Selah!
Grace unto you,
Osei Barnie
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