June 2
Christ the Pearl of Great Price
The Christian's Daily PortionPearl of great price.—Matthew 13:46.
No language employed by men or angels can ever adequately describe the nature, worth, and excellency of the Lord Jesus Christ!—
"All are too mean to speak His worth—
Too mean to set our Saviour forth."
The most beautiful and valuable productions of nature, have indeed been metaphorically employed by the sacred writers, to set forth in some degree; the character of this "DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS"—and here, the blessed Redeemer is represented to us, under the beautiful figure of a "Pearl of great price."—PEARLS have in all ages been in great request, as forming some of the most costly ornaments worn by the rich and great—and such is the traffic in those articles of luxury, that many confine their dealings to them alone—and such persons are known only as "Pearl Merchants."
Although Pearls are indeed very numerous, the far greater number being small, are (comparatively) of little value. But when the Merchant obtains one of extraordinary size, and of exquisite form and beauty—he knows he possesses something precious—an article of commerce, that will command a great price! It is to a Pearl of this description, (being exceedingly rare) the metaphor is employed. As the Merchant (stimulated by his thirst after the gold that perisheth) employs his utmost efforts in procuring objects, so much coveted, and so highly prized. So it is with the sinner, who by the influence of the Holy Spirit, has been brought to discern his real state of spiritual wretchedness and misery—and enabled by faith to see in the blessed Jesus alone—all that will make him truly rich and happy in time and to all eternity!—His utmost energies will be employed, in order to possess this Pearl of inestimable price! O yes! it is a Pearl indeed, far above all price! The wealth of worlds could not purchase it!!—No! blessed be God, it is His own invaluable and unspeakable gift. “For God so loved the World, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!”