Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek his treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys." Matthew 13:45-46, New King James Version
Today I watched Philippa one of my local Vicars enact this parable in felt form. That sounds so dull and boring but it was actually mesmerising!
This is a link to the resource video "Parable of the Great Pearl" Godly Play - Bing video and frankly Philippa did a better job with the head shakes but it’s exactly the same story with the same felt pieces.
It’s worth noting that my Vicar is also a primary school teacher so she is very good with young children but - this was next level. You could have heard a pin drop in that room. The entire congregation were in the palm of her hands and all thanks to some simple felt pieces on the ground coupled with our imaginations.
When she rolled up his house neatly and then added that to all the other riches, he was willing to pay for that one pearl you could almost hear the ‘clang’ of brains shifting. He was left homeless and broke but exceedingly happy none the less. It was quite a moment and I hope she knows what a brilliant job she did. I suspect some little fuzzy brains will choose to hold onto that memory because it contains the truth of all truths.
This parable boils down to one thought. There is nothing more valuable in this life than seeking and knowing God.
That needs to be quickly followed by truly accepting that love.
We all know that we have not earned His favour. I’ve said and done many things I wish I could take back. On the other hand, there is nothing I can do that will result in more of His favour. I could wash the feet of half the world and God would not love me a drop more or less because of it.
The day I asked God into my life He came instantaneously - all the rest of that journey has been about accepting that fact.
I once read a line in a book that read - my eyes opened and then they opened again. That sums it up perfectly.
It’s something you either get instantly or it takes a while to unfurl itself. Kind of like ferns unfurling a little bit at a time. There comes a day when it’s reached its full potential and we are able to marvel at its beauty. Like that.
What I know for sure is that the God of all creation lives inside me which means I am made up of bits of stars, pulsars and black holes. As a Sci Fi geek that is beyond awesome!
St Augustine of Hippo said it best so I’m signing off with his words.
To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge.
To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.