January 28
The Pearl of Great Price
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto…” —Matthew 13:45
Read Matthew 13:44-58
To ensure that we enter into heaven to be with the Lamb of God forever, we must come to know this Pearl, the Lamb Himself. You must gain possession of this Pearl. Do you ever seek Him? The merchant in our Scripture reading was looking for pearls when he found a most precious one. This pearl was worth a for-tune, and so the merchant sold all that he had that he might gain possession of this treasure. Would we sell everything to have the Lord Jesus? Would you give up all your sins for Him? If so, you must flee from them. Do not live on the edge of sin, trying to see how much you can get away with.
Perhaps you say, “But first I have to know whether I am converted.” The merchant of our text sold all that he had so that he might gain the costly pearl. He needed funds first! That must be our reaction as well: forsake foolishness and live (Proverbs 9:6). You and I cannot earn our salvation; it is impossible. We will always come up short! The Pearl we need is priceless and can only be possessed when God gives Him to us by grace.
As the Bible reveals over and over again, God commands us to forsake our sins. And therefore we must continue to pray, con-fessing to God our great need, namely, that we must repent even though we are unable to do so. However, the Lord saves and will be found of those that seek Him. When we come to know Him, we shall also see Him one day face to face in His heavenly home. How joyful shall that be! Amen; come, Lord Jesus!
What are the requirements for following after the Pearl of great price?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.