May 14

The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field. . . . Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44—46.

God has given man a treasure which satisfies the demands of the lost. He sent His only-begotten Son into the world to become man's Substitute. Christ's fulfilment of the Law, His suffering and death, are the foundation of the Church, of the kingdom of God on earth. This is what renders the treasure so costly. If one realizes this, is it a wonder that he will go and sell all that he has and buy the field in which this valuable treasure can be found?

Is there anything more precious and joyous than to know that debts which would have rendered us forever unhappy have been paid? In the payment of these awful debts consists the great glory of God's kingdom.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking goodly pearls." The value of the pearls was the cause for searching. He who does not search will not find. Many so-called Christians do not seek because they have not yet realized the dreadfulness of their sinful condition. The contrite sinner is in earnest about his soul's relief and continues his search for the costly Pearl, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom alone he can find pardon for his sins. Christ is the Pearl of great price in which our great happiness is centered. He who has Christ has more than the value of this whole world. The Scriptures reveal to us Christ, our Savior, and therefore they are able to make us wise unto salvation. That is why we search.

The more we search, the more shall we be able to appreciate the value of the costly Pearl. The man who possesses all this world and has not Jesus is of all creatures on earth the most miserable; and the man who possesses nothing of this world, but has Jesus, is the richest of all men and the most happy of God's creatures. He possesses the priceless Pearl, and therefore he is inexpressibly happy.

Prayer.

O Jesus, my Redeemer, Thou art my only Strength, my Help, my greatest Treasure and precious Pearl of great price. Direct my mind and my desire, I pray Thee, to fear and love Thee. Hide me in Thy loving bosom that in my distress I may submit my will to Thee and trust in Thee alone, since no man can counsel or save me. Thou art the true Physician of all sick, the true Comfort of every seeking soul. Do Thou comfort and save me. I trust in Thee. Amen.

Jesus, priceless Treasure, Source of purest pleasure, Truest Friend to me: Long my heart hath panted Till it well-nigh fainted, Thirsting after Thee. Thine I am, O spotless Lamb! I will suffer naught to hide Thee, Ask for naught beside Thee.