The merchant was anticipating a busy and profitable day, for he was a trafficker -- a trader in "goodly" pearls; beautiful, lustrous, and exquisite gems! He was a smooth talker, and carried out his business on a large scale; even dealing with retail merchants beyond the borders of his own nation.
He had worked hard and traveled extensively to build his prized collection, but he was never satisfied. He was always seeking for more--always desiring a better and richer collection than his fellow merchants possessed. But in spite of his enviable collection, it seemed that something was eluding him. No matter how beautiful, or how rare and costly the pearl, its pleasure soon faded away and he was off again seeking and searching for the pearl that would satisfy him forever.
One day as he was browsing through an elite store that dealt in costly pearls, he suddenly noticed beneath the glass the most lovely, breath-takingly beautiful pearl he had ever seen. He gasped at the sight of its dazzling beauty! He must have it -- no matter the cost, he must possess it for his own! He was almost afraid to ask the price, but he longed to obtain that Pearl of great price. When the owner, who saw him admiring the pearl, came over and quoted him the price it staggered him!! There was no way -- why he would have to sell every pearl he owned to be able to have this Pearl!!
He left the store wringing his hands in desperation. Surely the price could be lowered -- surely the owner would be willing to bargain with him. He rushed back to the store, but the owner would not compromise! Every argument was met with the same words, "The price is still the same." At last, the merchant left the store, went home, threw himself on the floor and wrestled for hours. He groaned and agonized until he thought he might die, but at last it was settled -- the decision was made -- he went and sold All that he had -- his entire collection -- nothing held back -- and went and purchased the Pearl of great price! It was wonderful -- his joy knew no bounds -- just to possess that priceless Pearl was worth everything it had cost him!
In the 13th chapter of Matthew, Jesus spoke to the multitudes about the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and in two tiny verses (45 & 46), it says: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."
It is very clear that Jesus is wanting to teach us an important spiritual lesson from this parable. In the parable, the merchant man is earnestly seeking more pearls-- grasping frantically for more of this world -- searching for something to satisfy the void in his heart when somehow he heard about and found the Pearl of great price! I am not a theologian, but the parable indicates that the Pearl of Great Price is the blessed Holy Spirit, and if we want to have Him in His fulness we will have to have a sale. Everything must go, until He can reign without a rival in our heart!
Have you had your sale?
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