May 16 - Fine Pearls

Matthew 13:45-46

“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.”

What is your pearl of great price?  What is it that you would sacrifice everything to keep?  Is it a relationship or a treasured family heirloom? Is it your house or a car that you've restored? A cabin in the woods or a boat for the lake?

The next question might cut a little differently. What would you do if tomorrow, Christianity were to be declared unconstitutional and that you were no longer allowed to call yourself a follower of Jesus?  If you did, you would lose your job, everything you owned … the state would take it all from you.  If you continued to press forward as a Christian, you would be imprisoned and separated from your family?

What would you be willing to sacrifice?

We are so fortunately to live in a country where that is not a reality; others in the world today are not so fortunate. Christians in China, while they have more freedom now than in the past, are not allowed to worship and yet, there are many who will sacrifice everything, including a relationship with their families, in order to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You don’t have to sacrifice today, you have been a gift of freedom and the opportunity to hold in your heart the pearl of great price. Pray for those who can’t; thank God for His gift.