“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, the “Four Georgians” were prospecting 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 this discovery moved them to discuss the situation in a more rational manner.
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?”
“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 to us is beyond our wildest dreams. The joy of deliverance creates a childlike abandon. The reality of God’s grace and mercy transforms an individual. 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. Perhaps we shouldn’t hide it from them.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for helping us discover your Kingdom. Empower us to truly realize its value and share it with others. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his kingdom and share its value with someone,