“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 NKJ)
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 NKJ)
It seems almost
anathema to mention valuable pearls in the same sentence with yard sales and
flea markets. Yet, many stories exist about people who discovered very valuable
items in a bargain shop, yard sale or flea market. And in that sense,
bargain-hunters are very much like the pearl merchant in the Lord’s
illustration above.
anathema to mention valuable pearls in the same sentence with yard sales and
flea markets. Yet, many stories exist about people who discovered very valuable
items in a bargain shop, yard sale or flea market. And in that sense,
bargain-hunters are very much like the pearl merchant in the Lord’s
illustration above.
In 2005,
Philadelphia resident Norma Ifill hunted bargains at a local flea market. She
found a rare piece of jewelry, a necklace designed by American sculptor
Alexander Calder, and purchased it for $15. Ifill’s necklace is currently on
sale at Christie’s, where it is expected to sell in the neighborhood of
$200,000 to 300,000 dollars. Now that’s a neighborhood!
Philadelphia resident Norma Ifill hunted bargains at a local flea market. She
found a rare piece of jewelry, a necklace designed by American sculptor
Alexander Calder, and purchased it for $15. Ifill’s necklace is currently on
sale at Christie’s, where it is expected to sell in the neighborhood of
$200,000 to 300,000 dollars. Now that’s a neighborhood!
When such stories
circulate, many people complain about how “it always happens to someone
else and never to me.” Yet, we must honestly acknowledge that finding a
valuable pearl doesn’t “just happen” to anyone. It only happens to
those who are searching for pearls. In fact, that is why we call them
“bargain-hunters.” They are hunting for bargains. They are looking
for something more valuable than its current price.
circulate, many people complain about how “it always happens to someone
else and never to me.” Yet, we must honestly acknowledge that finding a
valuable pearl doesn’t “just happen” to anyone. It only happens to
those who are searching for pearls. In fact, that is why we call them
“bargain-hunters.” They are hunting for bargains. They are looking
for something more valuable than its current price.
Of course,
bargain-hunters have a diversity of purposes and goals. Some just like to rise
early and peruse the community yard sales. Others like the challenge of
possibilities (what might be available somewhere at a bargain price). Still
others search for a specific range of items they know possess greater value
than the flea market price.
bargain-hunters have a diversity of purposes and goals. Some just like to rise
early and peruse the community yard sales. Others like the challenge of
possibilities (what might be available somewhere at a bargain price). Still
others search for a specific range of items they know possess greater value
than the flea market price.
But each
“hunter” will eventually find a “must have” item. The price
won’t matter. The item’s intrinsic value will outweigh all other
considerations, including a wife’s indignation. The bargain hunter will make
the sacrifice, whatever it may be.
“hunter” will eventually find a “must have” item. The price
won’t matter. The item’s intrinsic value will outweigh all other
considerations, including a wife’s indignation. The bargain hunter will make
the sacrifice, whatever it may be.
Aha! This is the
point. The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than the current price placed on
it. This pearl has such immense value that each hunter will sacrifice all that
he/she has in order to possess it.
point. The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than the current price placed on
it. This pearl has such immense value that each hunter will sacrifice all that
he/she has in order to possess it.
Dear Father, thank
you for showing us the value of your Kingdom. Empower us with the insight to
see its intrinsic value and the fortitude to sacrifice everything to possess
it. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for showing us the value of your Kingdom. Empower us with the insight to
see its intrinsic value and the fortitude to sacrifice everything to possess
it. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Discover the pearl
today,
today,