“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
While this parable wins relevance, I think the parable right before it actually better conveys the secret riches this pearl represents.
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes out and sells all that he has and buys that field."
You see the world doesn't know that there is treasure hidden in that field. It sees Christians living by the words of an ancient book and considers them hatefully fundamental or sadly brainwashed at best. It sees Christians rejoicing in self-awareness of depravity, joyfully calling themselves slaves to Christ, fleeing from all the easy pleasures and comforts of the world, and cannot comprehend why they would live so foolishly.
But the non-believer fails to understand that God has already made his plan known. From ancient days he promised a Savior for the vile and helpless creatures of sin whom He loved. He's already sent the perfect Savior to crush the serpent's head and defeat sin and death forever, just as he said he would.
Isaiah 46:9-11
"remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand
and I will accomplish my purpose,'
calling a bird of prey from the east,
the mean of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it."
And since this is the truth, and He has done what he said He would in sending Jesus to be truly God and yet truly perfect man to make a way for salvation, we can also trust that everything He says about the future will surely come to pass. All eternal wrath and judgment for sinners, the true justness in that punishment, and also, the store of riches gathered for ambassadors of Christ who He promised to cause to obey their Master and pick up their cross daily for the glory of their King.
Isaiah 55:11
"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty;
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Especially for those friends who I've known for more than the past 5 years, you've likely seen how the Lord has graciously changed me. I can no longer enjoy some of the things of the world. I keep annoying you with the gospel message as though if I declare it to you, it has the power to save you (it does). I'm in love with a guy who doesn't know how to "take off his Christian hat" even for a day. I know, I look like a foolish person who has sold all that they have for a dingy old field that nobody wants. But my friend, I know the magnificence of the true treasure that is promised, and the bulwark trustworthiness of the One who promises it.
Revelation 22:20
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
