“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Though not as significant as the costs some have paid for their beliefs, the costs I have counted as a follower of Jesus have been substantial: rejection, discomfort, exclusion, emotional burdens, and loss of significance as the world measures it. Yet these are nothing compared to the joy of having a personal relationship with my Creator, the security of knowing I will live in peace with Him when I die, and my confidence that I am a child of God even when confronted by failure.
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to an extremely valuable pearl. When a merchant found it, he “sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46). When God revealed Himself to me, I finally recognized Him as the pearl of great price. Previous to that, the “pearl” held no appeal to me. I had no desire to pursue it, much less sell everything I had to attain it. But once I saw Jesus, I could let go of the things of this world.
When you find contentment in Jesus, you possess an amazing treasure both now and for eternity. Praise be to God!
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to an extremely valuable pearl. When a merchant found it, he “sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46). When God revealed Himself to me, I finally recognized Him as the pearl of great price. Previous to that, the “pearl” held no appeal to me. I had no desire to pursue it, much less sell everything I had to attain it. But once I saw Jesus, I could let go of the things of this world.
When you find contentment in Jesus, you possess an amazing treasure both now and for eternity. Praise be to God!
Scripture Focus
Matthew 13:44-46
Insight
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 17-18
- Proverbs 8
- Hebrews 11
