September 2009

The Pearl Of Great Price!

Key Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46 :
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,
and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

This is a parable Jesus told about the importance of obtaining that which we value. For the jewel merchant it was that pearl that was so perfect, he was prepared to sell all he had to obtain this one special thing. We are all looking for that Pearl of great price! That thing that is in the distant, the thing that we long for, a treasure such as if we could only possess we would be rich indeed!

Of course many people desire different things to get their fix now. Some men go on search for the *Garden of Eden* others for *El Dorado* still others leave everything to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Lourdes or Walsingham. What are they really looking for, what will they find when they get there?

The Bible does not say that desire is wrong, but the Bible does say that desiring the things that will just give pleasure for a moment is wrong. Not just wrong but also very harmful.
We teach in our fellowship that 'We should want what we need, not need what we want.'

There is another story in the Bible in all the Gospels
Luke 7: 36-50, Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-8

This is the story of a woman who brought a very expensive jar of perfume and when Jesus was in a house came and washed his feet with the perfume and dried them with her hair. When you bear in mind that Jesus had been walking in the wilderness in dusty and dirty conditions in just sandals, it was a powerful way of saying 'I Love You'. Of course their were the usual complaints
this money could be given to the poor. This objection was raised by Judas Iscariot who was pilfering from the money bag

Mary & Martha : Luke 10:38-42 Again in the Bible there were two women with Jesus, one called Mary, the other Martha. When Jesus visited them Martha was busy serving and waiting on Jesus while Mary just sat at His feet. Martha complained but Jesus responded that they would not always have Him but they should enjoy Him whilst they could.

Life is lived through the values we make and what we place at the centre of it. In times of trouble we will always return to our last place of peace and security. With all the turmoil in the world and at this very hard time in this country there is no substitute for finding and living in real peace. Jesus says in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Fulfilling fleshly desires, drink, sex and being the life and soul of the party may give us a buzz for a while, but when all is gone and you are on your own will you have that real peace?

So we need to ask ourselves these important questions.

1] What is your place of peace?

The woman who anointed Jesus feet with perfume knew that place of peace was worth more than costly perfume, which she probably could little afford, but knew that to rest at Jesus feet was the perfect place of peace. Although others were not happy, she had found joy and contentment and placed this above all other things. Also think of Mary resting whilst Martha was busy serving. Sometimes it is good to spend time with things that will benefit us like fellowship and love rather than searching to be a servant.

2] Where do you go for counsel?

The words Jesus gives always bring hope, always bring life! Our counsel from Jesus will only benefit us. This is not some mass formulae thrown out at everyone who has similar problems, but is individually tailored for us by Jesus in heaven! Jesus will not damage us or let us walk into harm if we trust him for counsel. He only ever speaks the Healing Word.

3] How will you respond when you get there?

What benefit will we derive from these words? Well that is down to us! We need to respond to the words of the Father. He only has a desire for our life, our love and our peace. He has fed us with His desires and given us hope and passion. Real hope and a passion for a better life.
The Bible says that hope will not disappoint us: Romans 5:5 'and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us'

4] How will you get benefit from what you have received?

The benefit we get is through obedience. Let us be sure that until we respond in faith, we will not see that which has been laid aside for us.
The problem is we do not see until we do it.

For example the sending of the 12 : Luke 9:1-6
And the 72 : Luke 10:1-20 ~ They were sent out and told not to take anything for their comfort, no food , no extra clothing, but as they were obedient, the Lord provided for all their needs.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen

When God speaks to us in that special place we need to trust His words are for our benefit and not for our harm

Making Jesus as our Pearl of Great Price enables us to reap the benefit of the Fathers love for us. We cannot go back to the first love but we can again develop that same quality of relationship that first love gave us.

Have you purchased for yourself a pearl or a worthless treasure?

God saw something He valued - relationship with man so God gave His Son Jesus to us as a perfect pearl. We were destined to die but God sent His Son Jesus in the likeness of mortal man so He could die and take our sin and selfishness. His death and resurrection have made the way for us to find that perfect pearl. A new and loving relationship with Father God,

We can sure tough it up a bit to show our friends we have got it all together. Easy isn't it to put on a front and be Mr. Big to all around us when really we are hurting and desperate on the inside.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. God gave peace and hope in mankind's desperation by giving His Son.

So are you waiting, wanting, desiring most importantly willing to sell all you have to obtain this pearl of great price?

Maybe you have realised that you need to avail yourself of everything Jesus has made available to you. Fix your attention to the one who can really help

Start to believe in Jesus' promise 'It Is Finished'
Whatever your problem Jesus has met it head on and made the fulfillment through His death and resurrection, you just have to accept this and receive your promise, That Pearl Of Great Price!

If you have not invited Jesus into your heart this would be your first step. Peter said of Jesus
'You have the words of eternal life' John 6:68

The Lord Jesus is ready to help you as soon as you ask to know Him as Lord. Jesus Christ has paid for your sin, my sin and every ones sin by living a life free from sin and dying in our place so that we might know forgiveness of sin, and freedom eternally from the power of death.

Remember you can only deal with your own sin. Everyone has to answer to God for what they have done, but God is merciful and will forgive them too, when they are ready to come to Him. He will always accept you, and makes you the offer now of real, genuine love and resurrection life.

You need to say sorry to God for having offended Him by your sinful actions, and choose to walk in His ways instead. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins, repent of your sins and tell God you need His help to stop living in a way that pleases you, and tell him you want to live to please Him.

Invite Jesus Christ to come and be Lord of your life. Thank Him that He has bought you back from the road of darkness and destruction by giving His life for you, and releasing you from the burdens of rejection, guilt and shame. Bringing you fully into His wonderful light. Thank Jesus for this, and acknowledge His death and resurrection and ask His Holy Spirit to come into you right now and give you the power to change and you will find real acceptance in Him and He himself will show you the way forward.

Next step is to tell someone you have received Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and find a church that really loves Jesus and lives for Him.

It will not be easy but will be the greatest and most joyful decision you have ever made.

If you have made this decision today E.Mail us and we will send you a Gospel of John and some helps to get you started in your new and exciting walk with Jesus.