45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46
Looking at these parables in a new way, we are the pearl God finds. He gave everything to have us as His. God says we are priceless.
"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
You are worth the life of Christ!
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life." Isaiah 43:4
God cares, God loves, God treasures you.
"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
"2 for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2
We cannot be reproduced. From the very beginning we were treasured by God.
"So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
Unworthy does not equal worthless.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Assets=eternal life Liabilities=paid in full by Christ. Only Contribution from us is acceptance and belief.
"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12
Living a Priceless Life: How do we honor this life?
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
The Pearl of Great Value
"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24
Complete the task God has given you.
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8
Therefore -- Live!
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1
We live how God wants us to live.
"12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14
"you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20