The Sheen of the Great Pearl (12-25-09)

Today is a celebration of a treasured gift to humanity most enjoy in complete ignorance. A very precious gift spoken of in Mt. 13:45. A pearl of such great value that a merchant would sell all he had to possess it. A pearl unique among gems because it takes life to produce it and death to reveal it, and pain and suffering to make it grow. This pearl is particular. It appears in eternity as the gate to God's dwelling. the gate is singular and no one has ingress except via this gate. This pearl is the only way, and the only truth, and the only life. The pearl is a response to the introduction of a contaminate. In here we have the Christmas story, the full story. But that story is well known and little trusted. I do not wish to focus on the development of the pears as such but on its luster, its sheen. To me the beauty of this pearl is magnified by what it refracts.

It is easy to view humanity as an insignificant spic in the vast universe. Imagine this speck lodged in the center of God's concern. It's an independent speck contrary to His nature. How does He address it? The answer is Jesus. The perpetual display of His loving remedy. Refracting every brilliant hue of His loving grace. Loving the contaminated until a new glorious gem is produced.

I have learned that the true gospel message is not inviting Jesus in your heart but rather accepting His invitation to enter his life. A life completely contrary to your own. One that only knows loving relationship. Over time this love covers every aspect of your existence. Soon that pearl which is Jesus is revealed. You must die as Christ had to, to be at the center of this love. Each life is a unique pearl, no pearl being identical, but all formed the same way. Faith (trust) is like a string of pearls practice in the forming of the great pearl. True love demands our trust. Not from a religious duty or shamed obligation, bur rather love reproduces itself. This is the luster of the Great Pearl. Nay and every way God's love can be displayed continues to address a fallen specie. It is relevant, timely, and true in each application. The developing pearl is evidence of the sin, the loving remedy, and the glory of Christ. Pearls do not just appear but are made in the course of a life plagued with pain and suffering, They are mid in secret, privately adorning the wonders of His love. When they are revealed death has occurred and a nature completely contrary to our own gleams an undeniable glory. The bride of Christ taking on and adorning herself in the holy sheen of His love. He said we would be known by His love. This is true because a pearl in known for what it is. This love is truly worth everything we possess in this life and more. It is a pearl of such great value it cannot be purchased. The owner must choose to give it to the one desiring it. Christmas tells of the willingness of the giver and gives us a glimmer of the promise of the pearl. May this season find you all marveling at the wonders of His love and in the process of taking on His loving nature. The sheen of which is glorious to behold in every unique expression.