As a young teenager in love, I remember getting my first set of pearls as a gift. I felt so special, like a grownup, wearing them for the first time. Maybe you’ve even taken advantage of some of the opportunities to obtain your very own genuine pearl. It could have been from a vendor at an amusement park or the seaside shell shack, by picking out an oyster shell from their display, hoping to open it and find that illusive treasure that was promised. Even on my travels out west, there were many chances to pan for gold, with so many dreamers and tourists anxious to see that glimmer of a gold nugget as they sieved through their pile of mismatched stones and gravel. We are given so many other opportunities by cleaver marketers enticing us by their seemingly pearls of wisdom that they hold the key to finding treasures that will “change our lives”.
Living near the beach, I’ve also witnessed so many searchers waving their magnetic metal detectors across the sands, again, praying to find something of value that was buried that they can then sell off and turn into cash. Let’s face it, most of us acquire things that we consider of value throughout our whole life. We feel the desire to hold onto them, thinking each of these will bring us wealth, power or the most precious of all treasure, true happiness. But even after acquiring one item after another, surprisingly, we still feel empty.
The sad part is that many of those searching for their golden goose never realize those “pearls” are imposters, possessions that will never truly be the treasure that completes us.
I marvel at the parable that Jesus shares with His followers about the man that finds a pearl, sells all that he has, understanding how valuable and precious his discovery was. I can picture him, the look of joy on his face, as he holds this precious gem in his hands. Nothing was more important to him.
Many of us have discovered our found pearl is Jesus Christ. And still, many may look at this Pearl not yet understanding its value. However, even though we don’t go to the extreme of selling everything we own, I think Jesus wants us to understand our true happiness comes from holding that one pearl, the Kingdom of God, in our hands and in our hearts and souls.
So, if you are still searching for your own pearl, your own nugget of gold, just pick up the bible and discover the best treasure of all – Jesus’ words of everlasting life. It’s all you need to feel complete. And, it you’ve found your pearl, never take it for granted and hold onto Jesus with all your strength. It is the pearl you never want to let go!
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46
From God's Lips 