A Ready Heart

Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV) “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.”

The pearl was set between two kissing dolphins.

The perfect symbol of love.

During our first vacation together in Hawaii, my now husband and I stopped at an outdoor stand where you could pick your own pearl.

I carefully searched for my oyster.

Did you know that pearls are the only gems that come from a living creature?

I could not tell you what the necklace cost, but to me it was a priceless treasure.

That is what our heavenly Father considers us to be.

A treasure.

So much so that He sent His only Son to pay a huge price for us.

His life for ours.

In the beginning of Matthew 13, we see Jesus addressing the crowds, who had gathered on the shoreline while He was in a boat.

Jesus communicated through parables, weaving eternal truths into earthly stories.

It was through these stories that He helped to prepare the hearts of those who were listening, like preparing good soil for seeds to grow.

His disciples questioned why Jesus spoke in parables instead of just saying what He meant.

But Jesus did not look like or talk like the King that many expected.

His explanation from this version in The Message says this:

“The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?”
He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening.” Matthew 13:11-15 (MSG)

Jesus knew the ones that His message was clear to were those whose hearts were ready to hear.

The ones who searched for Him, like a merchant searching for treasures.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9 (ESV).

Each of the parables Jesus shared pointed to eternal value.

“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)

The pearl in ancient times was thought to be one of the loveliest gems.

Surely it made sense that one would want to possess something so beautiful.

Just like the pearl, Jesus is the priceless gem coming from a living God who wants nothing more than to welcome His children into His kingdom.

The way into His Kingdom is through His Son.

The pearl of great value.

If our hearts are ready, we recognize the value of this indescribable gift.

And like the merchant, would surrender all for something more valuable than any earthly treasure.

Jesus gave everything to pay the price for us.

A perfect symbol of His great love.

His Kingdom is precious and worthy of total surrender.

The cost of not surrendering our all to Him is spending eternity without Him.

Is your heart ready?

Father God, we are so grateful for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus. The pearl of great value. Ready our hearts and help us to recognize that the things of this world pale in comparison to Your immeasurable love for us. Help us to surrender our all to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A little extra : Natural pearls are formed without human intervention. Cultured pearls are created by human methods. They often are substituted for natural pearls because while they still appear beautiful, they cost less. Jesus’ Kingdom is precious and comes at the cost of our total surrender. When have you substituted His genuine love for something of less value because it cost you less?

How easy it is to want the reward that comes quickly or to attach ourselves to what the culture deems valuable. There are times that I do not always want to give up my comfort and control, surrendering all to Him. But I know in my heart that nothing in this world has lasting value or compares to what God has given us.