[av_image src=’http://www.youthchallenger.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Pearl.png’ attachment=’3185′ align=’center’ animation=’top-to-bottom’ link=” target=”]
[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’1′ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’]
[av_textblock]
I love stories of adventure, stories that bring challenges. My favourite story in the Bible is about a pearl. I will tell you the story.
Once upon a time there was a rich merchant or trader who was looking for a beautiful pearl. He went into a far away country looking here and there until finally one day he found it; it was very expensive. He went home as fast as he could and sold everything he had. Then, with the money he gained, he went and bought just that pearl. (Matthew 13:45, 46)
The pearl is Jesus and His kingdom. The Bible says that in the heavenly city there are twelve gates, and each one is a great pearl. But what are we going to exchange for this treasure? The only way we can have the pearl of great price is by giving up every idol or anything we love more than God. These idols will prevent Jesus from living in our hearts.
Jesus is standing at the door of our heart knocking and always waiting. But how can you open that door for Him if there are things behind the door? You can’t open it at all. You must, with the help of God, take away those things that prevent us from opening the door to Jesus – the Pearl of great price.
This is a real adventure, a challenge and we get real treasure – it isn’t just a story. It is our choice if we want our pearl or not.
I want my pearl; I hope you do too. Let’s all go on this adventure like brave soldiers with God’s armour. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:14-18)
I hope to see you with Jesus next to those pearly gates.
[/av_textblock]