THE PEARL
Suggested Reading: Matthew 13
Could Jesus have taught from this very boat? This is a boat that was discovered about 20 years ago in the Sea of Galilee, when the water level was low. It is called "The Jesus Boat" because it is from the time of Christ. The vessel is 9 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 1.25 meters high. It may have functioned as a ferry boat, but its measurements also suit those used by ancient fisherman employing a seine, or dragnet that was "cast into the sea," as described in Matthew 13:47-48.
Key Verse: Matthew 13:45-46
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
There is nothing that can equal the value of the Kingdom of God. What could possibly be worth as much as the love of God, the sacrifice of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with the Heavenly Father? The merchant sold everything to acquire the “Pearl”…citizenship in God’s Kingdom. A Kingdom has a King, and our King is not a constitutional Monarch with no real authority. King Jesus is Lord over all. Complete obedience is a given. There are serious consequences to disobedience. The King has given laws such as, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”…the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Your Majesty, thank You for allowing me to be constantly in Your presence. I honor You by the gift of everything I am and ever will be. I’m Yours! Your will is my command. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m sad to report that I have not obeyed the greatest of all the commandments most of the time. It’s that word “All” that does me in. That’s the reason I love to quote the most often repeated verse in the Bible…”His mercy endures forever.” King Jesus loves me as a father loves his child. He encourages me to start all over again every day. As I type this blog, I’m praying that today I’ll serve Him 100%. I’m fully aware that “All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I’m also fully aware that as I ask forgiveness, the next verse kicks in…”Being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
Your brother in the Grace of Christ,
David
P.S. If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and scroll down to “Leave a Reply.”
I can totally identify with what you are saying David! Praise God that He FORGIVES & FORGETS our sin (yes, both past, present and future sin) and He RENEWS & REFRESHES our soul day by day! We can be rest assured that we live in the grace of Jesus, fully knowing that we are forever His beloved children. This we can simply know by praying a simple prayer and by asking Jesus to forgive us our sin and to send his Holy Spirit to abide with us and in us. If we have meant this from our heart and have believed that Jesus has truly come from God, He will be with us and we will be with Him forever! Isn’t this great news?
“Right on,” David! These parables hold strong messages … I am challenged more each time I read them and feel somewhat inadequate in my own imperfection. That is, until I realize we ALL struggle with not being on stone or thorny ground. That’s why your combination of humanity and incredible devotion, has been an example and inspiration! Thank you for putting this chapter into perspective.
Also, the boat pic is facinating! I can only imagine …
Pastor Mainse, all I can say is that even after 50+ years of ministry, you’ve still hit the nail on the head. I, so many times let the flesh kick in and forget about what Yeshua did for me on that cross. I fall into the worldly realm of thinking at points, and forget about the pearl. When it comes to the first and second commandments, I fall with that too, ki l’olam chasdo, his grace/mercy endures forever, is a constant theme in my life, because it helps me fix my eyes on Yeshua, who is the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12).
You’re such a blessing, after coming to Christ three years ago, I’ve really grown to love all what you, and your family, and others are doing through Crossroads, and 100 Huntley Street, they are both so needed as our nation strays away from God. Keep up the good work. We say in Jewish tradition when someone has a birthday, “may you see 120 years” (which is how long Moses lived), I wish this and more for Crossroads, may it endure until His return!
Blessings and love in Yeshua
Michael
Thank God that he forgives and forgets our sins and every thing is a new fresh every morning.
Lianne Hogg
Dear David, I thank you for taking the time to point us to the Lord. I look forward to your comments day by day and receive a Blessing each time. May God grant you health and strength in the coming days.
Anytime and anywhere, we live and we move in the presence of God and surrounded by so many responsible for us on this journey but my loved ones and myself can never be outside God’s presence. Can there be anything any greater than living, moving and having our being in the presence of God? “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2.
I didn’t expect that verse paired with that reflection, how beautifully unpredictable! And how wise and merciful is a God who encourages us that whatever we have to give up is worth it, and whatever we fall short in is covered. Part of me would love to experience what it is to really give ALL for the cause of Christ…but I suspect that is because I’m young and stupid. Hahaha! May God protect me from stupid prayers! Besides, what does “all” look like? King David said he refused to sacrifice to God that which cost him nothing. For some people it may mean more to sacrifice reputation than to sacrifice possessions. God knows. I just pray I sacrifice the right things at the right times, for the right reasons. How on earth did Jesus know to do only what He saw His Father doing? I would love to know what Father is doing around me and in me at every moment, so that I could sell everything to THAT.
David thanks for doing this,it helps at the end of my day. May God continue to keep His healing Hand on you. With gratreful thanks.
What a rich blessing 100 words is becoming. You’ve not only jumped a significant technology hurdle by leading Crossroads first daily blog but also pointed us all back to the foundation…A study of God’s word that leads us daily to repentance and action. Reynold’s contributions are also stunning.
Praise God for your continued dedication, love and strength in this wonder-filled effort.