Devotional thoughts for Friday

Friday 17. October 2014 

Trinity 17 

Jesus said: "Again, the reign of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13,45-46) 

This parable is the second of the three parables taught by Jesus in Matthew 13. They all have the same theme: finding something of value and obtaining it. Jesus says this is what the reign of heaven is like. 

Jesus here describes His ministry. He is looking for people to call into His heavenly reign. He values fallen men and women to be a pearl of great value. We are valuable to Jesus because we have been made in the image and likeness of God. No other creature in all creation, not even the angels, is made in God's image. 

We are worth finding and saving. Jesus wants to restore our Divine image and likeness. So He went and sold all He had to buy us. This is redemption, and redemption requires sacrifice and the shedding of blood. Jesus became the sacrifice to merit our forgiveness, and He shed His blood to buy us back and make us His very own. We are costly to Him, and He paid the highest cost to purchase us. 

Life in this fallen world is full of doubts and tribulations. Too often we or others tell us we are no good and worthless. But that is simply not true. We are valuable in God's eyes, and Jesus suffering and death on the cross proves how much God loves and values us. Be of good cheer, in whatever struggle you now face, for you are precious to God; you are His pearl of great value. He has given all to bring you into His heavenly reign. 

Prayer: O Almighty God, we praise Your Name for Ignatius of Antioch, pastor and martyr. He offered himself as grain to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts so that he might present to You the pure bread of sacrifice. Accept the willing tribute of all that we are and all that we have, and give us a portion in the pure and unspotted offering of You Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  Amen. (1100, Treasury of Daily Prayer)