March 19 - Precious Jewels of Christ

"They shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my treasured possession; I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Malachi 3:17, KJV)

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

This pearl carries a dual significance—it applies both to the seeker of the Kingdom of Heaven and to Christ in His quest for His lost inheritance. Through sin, man lost his sacred innocence and became pledged to the adversary. In His infinite love, Christ, the only begotten Son of God, resolved to redeem mankind by paying the price for our salvation on Calvary’s cross. He abandoned the unfallen realms and the company of the holy angels in the celestial courts, for He could not abide while humanity remained estranged. The celestial Merchant laid aside His royal garments and crown; though He is the Prince and Commander of Heaven, He took on human form and entered a world marred by the curse, in search of the lost pearl—that is, the man estranged by disobedience.

He discovers His pearl hidden amid the refuse of a selfish world, where self-interest has hardened the human heart under the dominion of the adversary. Yet, Christ lifts humanity from its darkness, proclaiming the praises of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Drawn into a harmonious relationship with God, we receive forgiveness and find peace. Jesus reclaims the lost pearl of humanity, setting it in His diadem.

He declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, KJV), and extends hope even to the most wayward. He assures us, "He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37, KJV). When a person encounters the Savior, He rejoices like a merchant who has found his great pearl. By His grace, He works within the human heart until it is refined into a jewel, fit for the eternal Kingdom. 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. (John 3:16, KJV)