Pearl of Great Price

​Last week I talked about the free gift we are offered, “come all who are thirsty”. Today I want to ask the question: 'what is it like once you’ve tasted that free gift?'
 
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“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 13:44-46)
 
In these two parables something of great value has been found and to the one who found it, it’s worth everything. 
 
I see three things in these two short parables. Firstly, it seems, in both cases, that the decision to acquire the pearl of treasure was spontaneous. Secondly there is great joy of acquiring something with such immense value. This was a one-off, certainly not an everyday occurrence. Finally, there was a sacrifice involved. It seems the sacrifice was worthwhile as both the pearl merchant and finder of the treasure were prepared to sell everything else they owned in order to buy this one treasure. 
 
For us, as we consider the pearl of great price these three factors need to become the driving force of our heart. There are times when the impulse of our heart takes over when our mind would prevent us from doing something. That's faith in action!
 
Yes, from last week we are offered something that is free. It’s free but it may cost you everything! 
 
As we discover the enormity of the Father's love for us it becomes like the pearl of great price. It's so precious we’re prepared for it to cost everything.