THE PRICE OF THE PEARL

January 10

Psalms 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

Let’s imagine a great penury; years of deprivation, cold and hunger. Let’s imagine our wives and children at the throes of suffering and sickness due to lack of resources. Suddenly as if by miracle, like in the famous story of Ali-Baba, fate seems to turn. We now possess everything we need and even want. Our problems are now solved. No more tears, no more hunger, no more sickness, no more deprivation. One problem though; as in the famous story, these treasures are stolen. They are sweet, but forbidden waters (Proverbs 9:17).

Then comes the Son of Man with one pearl, one measly pearl in the midst of so much wealth; one pearl that He would give us for free, as a forever gift. Oh, but this was no ordinary pearl, bought from the corner store jeweler. This pearl was not found in the midst of the common sea. It was not refined in simple fire like mere silver or gold. This pearl came from the treasures of the Master Jeweler; shaped in the dark cave of trying experience. It was refined in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10) and was purchased with the shed tears and blood of the Son of God. This one pearl also carried with her promises for this life; it carries promises of joy and sorrow; abasing and abounding (Philippians 4:12), sweetness and bitterness. It also carries the key to the kingdom of God in the next life.

But Lord, it is such a small pearl compared to these other treasures. Do you really expect me to let go of the loot of my life for this… one pearl? Do you really want me to choose what seems such an uncertain future against the present visible assurance of sufficiency? Why, what makes that pearl worth more than all these riches?

“My son” he says, “The value of the pearl is not in the pearl itself; it is in what it took to acquire it. Is anything more precious than the blood, life, and suffering of the Son of Man?”

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.