Tonight's Word 🌱

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
-Matthew 13: 45-46

Last weekend, the nation woke up to yet another news headline: Businessman dies after home invasion and robbery. The thieves seemed to have studied his home like a textbook, and calculated ways to bypass all his security measures. The businessman had 2 pitbull guard dogs, a 9-foot high wall, secured at the top by barbed wire, wrought-iron window inserts in the wall, security cameras, and burglar-proofed windows in his 2-story home. However, at 3 o clock one morning, a gang of six intruders fed the two pitbulls poisoned meat through the gate to silence them, used a hacksaw to burrow their way through the wrought iron inserts in the 9-ft high wall, used a retractable ladder to reach to the first floor, broke through the window and figured out a way inside, and the rest is a tragic history. Sadly, the incident resulted in a death and trauma to the survivors.

The home (Photo Credits: Gyasi Gonzales)

Daily Express Newspaper 20/01/24

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." 

(Matthew 13: 45-46)

What a contrast it seems when we compare the method of the merchant in the parable and the thieves in the headlines. While the robbers resorted to extreme illegal means, regardless of the collateral, to get to the treasure they wanted, the merchant went about his pursuit in a proper manner. He acted patiently and responsibly, and gave what he owned in exchange for what he wanted. We are reminded of how important it is to be honest, transparent, and fair in our transactions.

Thankfully, the kingdom of heaven isn't a reckless endeavour neither does it require of us to go to extreme or illegal lengths at the expense of others. It is within each of our reach. The believer's pursuit of God is like that of the merchant pursuing the pearl. It is a responsible and considerate pursuit. It is one of self-sacrifice, committing ones talents and resources, and aims to reflect the heart and character of God. In fact, it is one often of prayer and meditation, reflection and action. It occupies ones heart and mind daily, as life in the presence of the Creator brings peace and joy. The psalmist David, after considering all that life had to offer, declared what his pearl of great price was: 

"One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

-Psalm 27:4

Tonight, as I reflect on this pearl of great price, I invite you to join me. Are the things of God my pearl of great price that I am willing to exchange what I have for it? Am I willing to give up the things that come between me and my Father so that I may enjoy better and fuller communion with Him? Am I sincerely pursuing Him? I pray that we all find and obtain our pearl of great price in Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the midst of the sad things that happen around us, thank you for still being able to seek and find you. Lord, help us to take our eyes off things that don't matter, and help us to turn our eyes to You more often. Give us the peace that passes all understanding, the kind of peace and assurance that comes only from being in your presence. May our energy, resources and talents be dedicated to pursuits that are pleasing to you, that lift you up, that draw others to You, for You are the ultimate pearl of great price in this world. Be with us, guide us and bless us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be blessed by this prayer in song. 🎧🙂🙏🏼

One thing I ask [Shalom]