“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matthew 13:45-46 NKJV
Man's knowledge of pearls dates back even more than five thousand years, before the diamond, to Japan. The ancient Greeks called them "màrgaros," which literally means "shining" and/or "ornament." Pearls are the product of an irritative process following the entry of a foreign body into the oyster. If the initial event is a natural one (e.g., a grain of sand or a small foreign body), the pearl that will form will be classified as "natural"; if it is an induced one (caused by man), it will be classified as "cultured." In this parable, unlike that of the hidden treasure, the one who makes the discovery is a merchant, that is, an expert connoisseur precisely of beautiful pearls. In ancient times the merchant is a person who sells things we do not need at prices we cannot afford. In this case he knows what he has found, knows its value, and recognizes that it is no ordinary pearl, to the point that he is willing to sell everything he has to get it. The merchant in the parable is like one who has discovered the Word of God but is never satisfied. He is not satisfied, like that man who at the ripe old age of eighty, despite having read the Bible more than sixty times, admitted, "I have only skimmed the edge of an ocean."
Constant seeking is synonymous with spiritual hunger; it belongs to those who are not satisfied. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). And those who hunger and thirst are not only ready to put everything else on the back burner, but sooner or later they will find satisfaction. One who seeks the truth may find many good and desirable things and not find the greatest truth of all. However, if he searches persistently, if he goes in search of genuine pearls and not imitations, he will find them. Some experience the appearance of the kingdom of heaven unexpectedly and are taken by surprise, like the treasure man. Others, like the merchant devote years of their lives and considerable resources in the search for this unique pearl. It represents the absolute that can give meaning to existence and is worth living for. The merchant experiences the joy and satisfaction of having something of inestimable value. Every believer should pursue first and foremost the pursuit of God's kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). All other things, though possessed will take a back seat because they are not eternal. The eternal value of the truth of Jesus Christ is thus discovered only by those who diligently seek it.
Today many believers do not distinguish the difference between natural and cultivated pearls, between what really proceeds from God and what is human artifice. More of Jesus' words become a warning not to preach the gospel to anyone, but generically not to give things of value to those who cannot appreciate them: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." (Matthew 7:6). In the context of the passage, the pearls could metaphorically be the teachings or interpretations of the Torah. In Jewish culture and at the time of Jesus, dogs were considered semi-wild and stray, and used as synonymous with outsiders. It always bears great displeasure to lay something precious (at least reputed to be so in value or effort) and see it despised. Jesus' words are an invitation to use prudence and discernment. First, not to give the dogs the meat intended for sacrifice (that which is holy) and to be careful that because of their ravenousness these could turn back and tear them to pieces. The second juxtaposition also seems incomprehensible, since for the Jews pigs are unclean animals, while pearls what is most precious. It would indeed be the case to say that confusion increases and advances everywhere. I want to be more and more an expert merchant, and I hope this devotional will be a little pearl for you.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan # 29
July 15, Psalms 16-17; Acts 20:1-16
July 16, Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38
July 17, Psalms 20-22; Acts 21:1-17
July 18, Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40
July 19, Psalms 26-28; Acts 22
July 20, Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15
July 21, Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35
Комментарии