The Pearl of Great Price

Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it                                                                                               Matthew 13:45-46 (The Message)

In the message today at my church, my pastor referenced the movie City Slickers as he explained the first commandment that God gave- “Love the lord your God”. What an excellent reminder he gave about the 10 commandments starting with positive statement- not “thou shalt nots”.

I decided to reprint an old blog based upon that movie as well. Hope it hits home like his message did today…

Years ago there was a great movie titled City Slickers. It starred Billy Crystal, a genius comedian and Jack Palance, a veteran “tough guy” actor. The movie is a story of some men who were casting about in their life with career and relationship problems. They left for a western adventure and came away with some amazing life experiences and changed lives.

In one scene, Billy Crystal’s character, Mitch, is riding alone with Curly (Jack Palance). Mitch asks Curly some probing questions about his life, and Curly replies, “You just have to find that one thing and go after it”. Mitch says, “What is that one thing?”. Curly replies “That’s what you have to find out”.

Jesus spoke in parables often to teach his followers the great answers to life. Jesus said in response to a question from a follower, Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.

Jesus was talking about the Kingdom of God- the source and final goal of salvation. He related to them that once one finds that “One Thing” he or she will give up everything for it, because it is the prize worth everything.

Finding our source of redemption, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, is that jewel, that “Pearl of Great Price” as the old translations called it. So too, we have aspirational goals- the life missions we have been called to. We search for that, and upon finding it, we sell out everything to pursue it. That is what gives life satisfaction and fulfillment.

So, to go back to Mitch’s question, “What is that one thing?” for you?

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the teachings of Jesus which change our life and give us life, Amen.