Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 25, 2013
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
What is the Pearl of Great Price? Simply Jesus. He is the only One worth selling all to follow by faith. God made His children spiritual merchants on a quest for what’s most valuable in life. These earnest explorations of religion are empty, until the grace of God in Jesus Christ is uncovered and understood. Vain treasures are those mini pearls that are but a weak reflection of the genuine One. Sincere efforts to search out the most significant asset of God will find Christ.
There are many fine pearls that draw our attention away from the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus. The pasty pearl of pride draws us away toward our own limited abilities. The flashy pearl of entertainment consumes our energy and dulls our senses. The fake pearl of religious hypocrisy creates an image without any spiritual substance. And the black pearl of unbelief keeps us from experiencing God. But, as we enjoy the Great Pearl in an intimate relationship, we need no more.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
How do you steward well this, your greatest asset from Almighty God? What disciplines are you developing to not take for granted this your most valued resource? One way to value your most valuable belonging is to share it with others. It can’t be weakened by too much use. It can’t be ignored while on display in your life. You are truly wealthy when you are graced by the riches of God. But you are utterly poor and spiritually bankrupt without engaging the Great Pearl of Christ.
Lastly, sell and give away whatever is necessary to enjoy your riches in Christ. Your cluttered life can easily leave out the Lord. The complexity of stuff can cause you to miss the simplicity in Christ. Streamline your schedule, so you can go deep in your intimacy with your Heavenly Father, and your relational engagement with those you love. Jesus Christ is your Pearl of Great Price. So, value Him greatly, by giving Him your full love and devotion!
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father I am grateful for the riches I have in your son Jesus Christ.
Related Readings: Proverbs 22:2; Matthew 7:6; Romans 2:4; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 3:17
Post/Tweet today: Sincere efforts to search out the most significant asset of God will find Christ. He is most valued. #valuable
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I was blessed by the “Pearl of Great Price” Wsidom Hunter post.
I would like to entertain another view of what the Pearl may be. Yes, we believe that Jesus is the Pearl worth selling everything for us to follow. However, The scripture say’s; “The Kingdom of HEAVEN is like…” That indicates that perhaps Jesus left the Kingdom of Heaven and searched for the pearl. When he found one, he gave up (“sold”) everything HE had to purchase it. That PEARL, dear one, is YOU (and I). I Cor 6:20 and 7:23 say “…you were bought at a PRICE…” Jesus paid the ultimate price for us on calvary. Think about it, YOU are the Pearl of Great Price!
I read your devotionals every day. It is a great way to start my day. I have a question. What Bible translation did you use today? You quoted two scriptures without capitalizing “him” for God and “he” for Jesus. Is that a typo, intentional, or do some translations not capitalize those words?
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30”
and:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9”
Thank you,
Steve C.
New believer trying to learn
Apparently, Boyd you do not read these comments.
Hi Steve,
We are blessed to hear you are a fellow wisdom hunter and enjoy reading the daily devotionals. Today’s scripture is from the NIV and it doesn’t capitalize pronouns for God. However the NASB does capitalize the pronouns for God.
We hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Have a blessed day,
Bethany
Thank you Bethany – and you have a blessed day also.
Steve