March 18 - The Priceless Treasure

The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a merchant that sought after fine pearls; and when he had found one of great price, he sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46, KJV)

This exquisite pearl symbolizes the immeasurable treasure found in Christ, much like the hidden treasure in a field. In Him we discover everything we require in this life, as well as the joy that will adorn the world to come. No earthly wealth can purchase the gift of peace, rest, and love—these blessings are granted through faith in Christ. We are wholly owned by God, for our mind, body, and spirit have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Son of God.

So, what does it mean to purchase this eternal treasure? It is simply to return to Christ that which is rightfully His—to welcome Him into our hearts by faith. It is an act of cooperation with God, to take up the yoke with Christ, and to assist in carrying His burdens. Our Lord relinquished His royal crown, forsook His exalted position, and embraced the nature of humanity, so that through this humble act, He might elevate mankind. In His boundless love, He deemed it most precious that man should serve as His substitute and surety, casting upon us the full weight of His own merits and lifting our moral worth before God.

Christ is the propitiatory sacrifice who abandoned the glory of Heaven, set aside His riches, and left His honor, not to cultivate favour with mankind, but to exemplify the love that resides in the heart of the Father. He paid the ultimate price, clothed Himself in humanity, and willingly accepted a life of poverty and humiliation—all to seek and save that which was lost.

By the grace of Christ, we are strengthened and matured; though we may be imperfect now, in Him we are being made complete. Once held captive by the adversary, we have been redeemed and rescued by our Savior. We can never purchase from God; it is solely by His free grace in Christ that we are saved.