Seeking After a Great Pearl

I recently became familiar with conch pearls in Haiti. Conch pearls are extremely rare and valuable.

Very few conchs produce a pearl and very few pearls are gem quality. The pearls come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The colors can be white, brown, pink, orange, and red for example. I have purchased some pearls from the fishermen, but I am realizing many of the pearls do not have much value. I have learned to look for blemishes. However, I do know I may find an exceptional pearl of great value. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls, When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46) One Biblical commentary suggests the merchant not only sold all that he had, but also became a bond servant in order to purchase the pearl. It is also suggested that the merchant did not sell the pearl but wanted to keep it for himself.

Our salvation in Jesus Christ can be compared to a treasure. “...if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:4-5) I had great joy when I came to know the Lord. We must continue seeking after God with all of our heart, mind, and strength. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Give God first priority in your life.

We cannot purchase or earn our salvation. However, just as the merchant gave all to acquire the treasure he recognized as invaluable, Jesus teaches us to give ourselves totally to Him. The merchant who found the great pearl did not earn his income by physical labor. He earned his income by buying and selling pearls. He must have a knowledge of pearls. We also cannot labor to obtain our salvation. We put our faith in God by having knowledge of God. I’m certain the merchant believed he was getting a good deal. But we are getting the best deal by putting our faith in Christ. We will be spending eternity with God, friends, and family in a city which has twelve gates carved out of pearls.

A pearl reflects the light. We also need to reflect the light of Christ in our lives. We are to be a light in the world which points men to Christ. When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The disciples left everything behind in order to follow Christ. Paul declares, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8) Paul knew who he believed in. We need to keep our eyes upon our greatest treasure. ~Charlie DeTellis