Pearl Mystery
Matthew 13:45,46
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (KJV)
45 También el reino de los cielos es semejante a un mercader que busca buenas perlas; (RVG04)
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (KJV)
46 el cual, hallando una perla preciosa, fue y vendió todo lo que tenía, y la compró. (RVG04)I
I. The Church is the Pearl of Great Price
It is a treasure of great value; but if we do not recognize and appreciate the value of it, then it does us little good.
So many people just see the church as a place to go to fulfill their religious duty, or just a matter of tradition. Some use it purely for social and political benefits.
Many only go to church if and when certain people are there and if the "program" is to their liking.
One must analyze the value of the church.
Trials will come; other christians will offend and disappoint you; there will be internal changes from time to time; but is the church simply another group or club to join or disjoin?
Cultivated pearls--in a man governed surrounding, producing a more generic pearl
Natural pearls-- in the ocean, more rare to find, more valuable, unique shapes
II. Retaining a Treasure requires Sacrifice
Eph. 5:25
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV)
25 Maridos, amad a vuestras esposas, así como Cristo amó a la iglesia, y se entregó a sí mismo por ella; (RVG04)
Pearl hunting involves risk and sacrifice.
You do not find pearls laying along the beach on the sandy shore. They normally thrive at a depth of about 40 ft. along the murky bottom of the ocean floor.
In Bible days, a man would tie a heavy rock to his body and jump out of a boat, so that the weight of the rock would hold him closer to the bottom of the ocean to search for pearls.
On the average, only 1 out of every 1,000 oysters contains a pearl. In those days, a pearl was the equivalent of what diamonds are today. To possess a pearl, was to own a fortune.
The egyptians and the romans actually worshipped the pearl and had gods of the pearls.
A pearl is hid inside the clammy, cold, dirty shell of an oyster. Its beauty is not seen until it is brought out of that dark, hidden location.
The church is viewed by many in a similiar manner. All that many see is a dingy shell, and they fail to investigate to find the great value hidden within.
Like the pearl hunter who risked his life and spent endless hours to find one prized pearl, our Saviour, Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for the church.
The pearl itself is a product of suffering. It is formed from a grain of sand that irritates the oyster, thus causing it to send saliva and calcium to coat it time and time again.
The pearl is formed from sand, bone fragments, and other debris from the ocean floor. The church is formed from individuals who were the refuse of this world, but God had another plan, and made us into something beautiful.
A pearl grows gradually. It is not a product of one day or one week or one month. It can be easily 3 years before a magnificent pearl is produced.
The work of God in you in the church is progressive. With patience we love one another and put up with one another as the Holy Spirit makes us into what He wants us to be.
The growth and development of a pearl is a hidden work. It takes places inside a shell under the water. God grows His church in much the same manner. Oh, we can see the number of people inside the building, but we are unaware of what God is doing inside hearts and lives.
UNITY----The pearl is the only gem that does not require cutting to make it more valuable. In fact, you cannot cut a pearl without destroying its beauty and value.
Phil. 1:27
27 ¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (KJV)
27 Solamente que os comportéis como es digno del evangelio de Cristo; para que, ya sea que vaya a veros, o que esté ausente, oiga de vosotros, que estáis firmes en un mismo espíritu, unánimes combatiendo juntos por la fe del evangelio; (RVG04)
Let us be very careful not to divide or fragment the local body of Christ; it was meant to stay intact.
III. Pursuers of the Vision Needed
2 Tim. 1:12
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)
12 Por cuya causa asimismo padezco estas cosas; mas no me avergüenzo; porque yo sé a quien he creído, y estoy seguro que es poderoso para guardar mi depósito para aquel día. (RVG04)
The greek word used here is speaking of a great treasure that has been entrusted to another.
There were no banks with safety deposit boxes in the days of the apostles. When someone was about to die or take a long trip, they would need to find someone of extreme trust with whom to leave their prized belongings.
The greates news is that each and everyone of us can know Jesus personally and that we have a call to care for and esteem the value of the church by our commitment and custody of her.
One of the great qualities of a pearl is its ability to reflect light. It appears to glitter as light shines upon it. The church should always reflect the light of the glory of God. Allow the Pearl to be projected so that the light of His glorious grace will evermore illuminate.
IL.: Homer was an old-timer, who lived in the hills of Tennessee as a hermit. His favorite thing to do was to go fox hunting. He had 10 foxhounds who were his prized possessions. One evening, a neighbor came by for a visit. They sat on the porch, whittling on some sticks and talking. The sun was about to go down as the men caught sight of a coyote sneaking up on the chicken pen. Zeke, the favorite dog of Homer, saw him as well. He jumped up, barked, and took off in chase after the coyote. Very soon, the rest of the foxhounds joined in; all of them barking and running the same direction. the pack of dogs barked and chased the coyote way into the night. One by one, the dogs gave up, except for old Zeke. He kept on chasing. After another hour, the neighbor spoke up, "How is it that Zeke hasn't given up and he keeps chasing the coyote?". Homer responded, "It is really quite simple, Zeke saw the coyote for himself."
That is what it will take for you to stay true to this spiritual quest. If you have personally seen Christ (we are talking about a personal, without-a-doubt experience), then you will not let anything deter you from pressing on in your pursuit of Him and for His church.
