Pearls

I started re-reading Dealing With The Rejection And Praise Of Men by Bob Sorge. Already, being reminded of so much!

First of all, how pearls are formed. Something that creates irritation and trouble becomes something of great value. In James 1, the author talks about how trials lead to maturity and completeness. In 1 Peter it speaks of how trials are producing in us a treasure more precious than gold. So, we can let God use the pains of this life to produce in us a treasure beyond our imaginations. The pain is an opportunity!

In Acts 14 the apostles teach how we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. And in Revelation, the holy city's gates are made of pearls. Interesting that that was the choice of material is it not?
Finally, in Matthew 13 Jesus compares the kingdom to a merchant who finds a pearl of great value and sells everything he has to purchase this one pearl.

There are two parables right there....one saying that kingdom is like treasure in a field that someone finds and then sells everything he has to buy the field where the treasure is hidden. Followed by the one about the pearl if great price. One says the kingdom is like treasure in a field...one says the kingdom is like a merchant...Because on the one hand we discover that Jesus is a wonderful treasure and we give everything to have Him. And on the other hand, He values us like this pearl. And He gave everything to have us.