PARABLE OF THE PEARL.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46) Banks employ wealth managers who are financial wizards ( a person who is very skilled in a particular field or activity) in growing wealth. But unknown to them is the fact that the kingdom of God is more valuable than the stocks and shares, funds and bonds. World economies will collapse but not the economy of the kingdom of God because it is always robust (strong and healthy). Therefore we are cautioned not to save anything on earth: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thrives do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20) Transfer your wealth to the kingdom by investing in souls. "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." (Luke 16:9) Once a rich young man came upto Jesus and asked, "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven." (Matthew 19:20-21) Really! Treasures in heaven? If that is not true, why else would Jesus say, "Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." ( Luke 12:33) The kingdom of God is the ideal investment (one that gives a high return) because no one offers a better return for our money. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." ( Luke 6:38) Where would we be offered a return even for a glass of water but in the kingdom of God! "If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." ( Matthew 10:42) That might sound very silly but that is how valuable the kingdom of God is that even the little things done for the sake of Christ and his kingdom will not go unnoticed but will be rewarded. Like the merchant of fine pearls, have we found this pearl of great value ? Do we value the kingdom of God above everything else on earth? Though it is said that "diamonds are forever", it will not outlast the universe because the day is coming when this earth and all that is in it will cease to exist. But the kingdom of God will outlast this universe and make it into the new earth and new heaven. Amen.
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