09/22/2021
We want to experience the glory of God, Jesus abiding in us, the Holy Spirit filling us, and eternity in a loving relationship with God. In other words we want to be in possession of the pearl that is mentioned by Jesus in the ‘Parable of the Pearl’, but are we bargaining with God over its price? Are we willing to sell all we have to own this treasure, and are we prepared to do so without a second thought, or are we trying to obtain the pearl from Him at a bargain price? How much of ourselves do we give, and what do we hold back in seeking our salvation?
““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 ESV
There is nothing that we own, not even EVERYTHING we own, that is of sufficient value that God would consider it in exchange, or full payment, for eternity in His presence, our salvation, and acceptance by Him. In fact, all our possessions are His already, and have been provided to us. So what is meant by this parable? What must we sell that is worth enough that we could then give those proceeds in payment? We have but one thing of such amazing value… self. We must give up our focus on ourselves, and remove every one of our sins and desires that might distract us from Him, and Jesus. Are we able to do this, and if our earthly possessions are a distraction to us are we prepared to sell, or abandon, those as well? God doesn’t want our things, He already has those and much more, He wants us to put Him first, and give our self to Him completely.
“And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.””
Luke 18:18-22 ESV
In this passage we see that Jesus doesn’t ask the wealthy ruler for the proceeds of selling all he owned. No, he wants him to give those to others who are in need. What He actually wants from this man is his undivided love and focus… his self. So, in our own personal pursuit of faith, and belief, what stands in our way as an impediment that must cleared away? It might be as simple as a beautiful ring that we take great pride in, or as complex as addiction, our social position, a group of friends, a job, a person that we desire… each of us has something that must be moved aside so that we can dedicate all we are to Jesus, and God. Have we identified that earthly something in our lives? It will be that one thing which we have that if God asks us to let it go we would struggle mightily to give up. It would be something that would keep us from loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, or distract us in the midst of our prayers… it is different for each of us. It is that thing we value in this world that stands between us and God, Jesus, Heaven, and eternal life. It is death to us.
“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.”
Acts 5:1-5 ESV
Ananias and his wife found that one thing in their lives that they valued more than God Himself, and they lost their lives over it. This is our lesson today… it isn’t about immediate death, but it is about certain death; a single sin that can rob us of eternal life. It is that something we can’t repent of, and honestly ask forgiveness for… a sin we can’t let go of, and truthfully commit no more. It is a worldly possession that keeps us from loving God completely, believing in Jesus with our entire being, or letting go of everything in the world to grasp the divine. Have we already let go of this thing? Have we identified it yet? Or, perhaps, like most of us, we have given up one such thing only to identify another that must be wrestled with, and in this way we spend our lives perfecting ourselves, and giving our self to God by overcoming our temptations in the world… one obstacle at a time.
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for opening our eyes to the things that stand in the way of our believing, our faith, and which keep us from putting you first in our lives. Thank you for pointing out to us those things that our self will not easily let go of, and that keep us from loving you as you have commanded us to do. Help us Holy Father to remove each and every impediment to becoming perfect in your eyes, washed in the blood of Christ, and free of sin and temptation. See our struggle Lord, and help us as we wrestle against every lie that Satan woos us with, and all the temptations the world presents. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who wants only good for us, and has prepared a place for us with you in eternity through Jesus. Praise be your name for each and every stumbling block we overcome as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Praised be your name for every escape you prepare for us, and the strength we find in your Word that allows us to shift our focus from our self to you. Wash us clean in the blood of Jesus, and help us to sin no more as we are cleansed of each individual sin. Lift us up, change us into new creatures, and perfect us in Christ. Let nothing stand between us, and command death to fall away from us as we worship you with all our self, and might. Great are you Lord, and greatly to be praised because your love for us endures forever.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”
Philippians 2:12-18 ESV
Rich Forbes