A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. Most of us know someone who has either a pearl ring, ear rings or necklace - many are costume or inexpensive pieces - just as many are the real thing and valuable. On occasion the word pearl is used to describe a spouse, child or special friend - indicating how much you value them. When a person finds a pearl - they hold onto it for dear life - whether it is a piece of jewelry or a person - real pearls often are hard to find.
When Jesus shared the parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) - He was comparing a treasure hidden in a field to the Kingdom of Heaven - then followed with the parable of the pearl which shares a similar teaching. To attain Heaven - to share in God's almighty blessing is a treasure that no one in their right mind would ever pass up - yet many do. For those of us who have accepted this special gift from God - when we accepted Jesus into our hearts - we know what it is that we have - we hold tightly to our hearts - we invite others to share in this gift from Jesus. To have and to hold is great - to have and to share - even better. Share the gift of Jesus with those whom you treasure.
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
