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The Weekly Word: The perfect pearl

By Rev. Daniel Larson, Cross Lutheran Church

Jesus said, “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).

Have you found that perfect Christmas present for that special someone yet? If you have, what makes it perfect?

Is it perfect because it is unique or handcrafted? Is it perfect because it fits the personality of the one for whom you bought it?

The Weekly Word: The perfect pearl
The Rev. Daniel Larson, Cross Lutheran Church

What if you find the perfect Christmas present, but find out it is too expensive, that you can’t afford it? Would you sell your car or house, or everything you have just to buy that perfect gift?

Jesus once told a parable about a pearl merchant whose goal was to find the perfect pearl. When he found it, he sold everything he had so he could buy his treasure.

That perfect pearl represents the message of the Gospel — the message of salvation found in the Bible. This message is perfect because it tells us everything we need to know for this life and the next.

The Bible tells us that all of us have sinned and deserve God’s eternal punishment in hell. But the Bible also tells us that Jesus came to take that punishment away. Therefore, because of Jesus, our sins are paid for and forgiven!

That is the Gospel message; a message that is not only perfect, but unique.

Oh, there are plenty of places you can look for the answers to life’s questions, but only one place you will find that “perfect pearl,” and that is in the Bible.

The Bible looks like any other ordinary book, but within its pages is a precious message that exceeds anything we’ve ever known.

It’s like a person who pries open a dull, ordinary clam shell and finds a shiny pearl nestled in it, one that is worth more than any other.

Think of that! A pearl in a clam shell!

Sometimes, that’s how God works in our lives. He comes to us in unlikely places to give us His love.

Think of how this was demonstrated to us at Christmastime. At Christmas, the Son of God, our Savior, was born — in a stable!

And then Jesus willingly gave up His life on the cross to pay for our sins and to win us a place in those heavenly mansions! That’s God’s perfect gift to us: the “perfect pearl.”

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