The Deal of a Lifetime

Genesis 41:17-42:17 Matthew 13:24-46 Psalm 18:1-15 Proverbs 4:1-6

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

Imagine you found the deal of the century. If only you could scrounge up enough cash to pay for it, you’d be set for life. So you take everything you own down to the pawn shop and sell it. Even your favorite, most valuable possessions because you know that once you make this deal, you’ll never want for anything again.

Would you do it? Would you trade all you have for something worth $200 million? You would never have to work again. Never wonder how to make ends meet again. Would it be worth giving it all away?

That’s what Jesus asks us to do. He asks us to give Him our lives, to die to this world. But He doesn’t ask us to live in eternal poverty. He has that pearl that He is waiting to hand us once we’ve let go of everything in our hands. It is difficult at first because we see these things we’ve loved and valued and we don’t want to see them go. But in the end, we will be set for life and we won’t really miss those old things. It is definitely worth it.

Lord Jesus, we want to accept Your offer to trade our old lives that are not worth very much for a life in Your Kingdom. Give us the courage and the strength to let go of this life on earth and the things we love and value here so we can hold on to You and the things of Your Kingdom today. Amen.