“Again,
the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on
finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)
Back in
1864, four prospectors known as the “Four Georgians” searched for gold in what
is now downtown Helena, Montana. One of them found an unusual stone and cracked
it open. Seeing what was contained in the stone, he called his three partners
over to verify its value. Energized by his discovery, they worked with new
fervor and soon found a huge deposit of gold. Delirious with joy they danced
around like small children shouting, “Gold! We’ve hit pay dirt! We’re rich!”
Finally, the reality of the discovery moved them to a more rational behavior.
1864, four prospectors known as the “Four Georgians” searched for gold in what
is now downtown Helena, Montana. One of them found an unusual stone and cracked
it open. Seeing what was contained in the stone, he called his three partners
over to verify its value. Energized by his discovery, they worked with new
fervor and soon found a huge deposit of gold. Delirious with joy they danced
around like small children shouting, “Gold! We’ve hit pay dirt! We’re rich!”
Finally, the reality of the discovery moved them to a more rational behavior.
They
needed to protect their find so they must stake their claim right away. Since
they needed supplies, they would go to town and take care of both needs. But
they agreed not to tell anyone about the gold. While in town, they took care of
business and never even hinted about finding gold. As they prepared to leave,
however, several other prospectors gathered around them and said, “We know
you’ve found gold. Where did you find it?”
needed to protect their find so they must stake their claim right away. Since
they needed supplies, they would go to town and take care of both needs. But
they agreed not to tell anyone about the gold. While in town, they took care of
business and never even hinted about finding gold. As they prepared to leave,
however, several other prospectors gathered around them and said, “We know
you’ve found gold. Where did you find it?”
“Who told
you we found gold?” the Four Georgians replied.
One old
prospector laughed, “No body told us. We can see it in your faces.”
The
Kingdom of God is like that. Its value is beyond our wildest dreams. The joy of
deliverance creates a childlike abandon. The reality of God’s grace and mercy
transforms us. Kingdom citizenship cannot be hidden for long because it will be
evident in the life and face of the transformed.
Kingdom of God is like that. Its value is beyond our wildest dreams. The joy of
deliverance creates a childlike abandon. The reality of God’s grace and mercy
transforms us. Kingdom citizenship cannot be hidden for long because it will be
evident in the life and face of the transformed.
The Four
Georgians wanted to keep their discovery private in order to protect their
claim. That was an intelligent decision given the post-Civil War economics of
the North West. Matthew’s message, however, focuses on the intrinsic value of
God’s Kingdom. Note that the merchant sold everything and purchased the pearl
he had found. This Kingdom is so valuable and precious that we should abandon
everything and become a citizen of it. Of course, there is no loss to us, if
others find it too. This Kingdom is large enough to welcome everyone who wants
to be a citizen. Let’s not hide it from them.
Georgians wanted to keep their discovery private in order to protect their
claim. That was an intelligent decision given the post-Civil War economics of
the North West. Matthew’s message, however, focuses on the intrinsic value of
God’s Kingdom. Note that the merchant sold everything and purchased the pearl
he had found. This Kingdom is so valuable and precious that we should abandon
everything and become a citizen of it. Of course, there is no loss to us, if
others find it too. This Kingdom is large enough to welcome everyone who wants
to be a citizen. Let’s not hide it from them.
Dear
Father, thank you for enabling us to discover your priceless pearl. Empower us
to truly realize its value and share it with others. In the name of Jesus I
pray. AMEN
Father, thank you for enabling us to discover your priceless pearl. Empower us
to truly realize its value and share it with others. In the name of Jesus I
pray. AMEN
Be strong
and courageous today as you share the pearl,
and courageous today as you share the pearl,