The Parable of the Pearl & the Treasure

The Parable of the Pearl & the Treasure

This Sunday at CDC, we were privileged to have brother Goh Keat Peng share the message on the Parable of the Pearl & the Treasure.

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46

Brother Goh shared with us how this passage is closely correlated with 1 Timothy 6.6-10, which highlights one of the Apostle Paul’s most profound declarations, that “Godliness with contentment is great gain”.

During his time in Timor, brother Goh spent much time in meditation and writing, and time again, he came back to the same conclusion. The most tragic thing for us human beings is that we don’t really know what we need most and what is best for us.

The pearl merchant was always on the lookout for valuable pearls, and when he found the pearl of greatest price, he sold everything to make it his own. The pearl merchant gave up everything else for that which was of greater value. And that is the key principle of the whole message.

In a marriage, a man gives up all potential relationships with other women to be solely committed to one woman. Many do not understand the value of a faithful marriage, but to those who do, they understand that it is of great and precious value indeed.

What will bring contentment to our lives? What are we looking for in life? The truth is, only God can satisfy, for He gives life and meaning to everything. God is the answer to peace and happiness. Is having Christ not enough for us? God has salvaged us from eternal condemnation upon death and we have entrance into God’s heavenly home! How then can we still be restless and bored, languishing in insecurity and low self-esteem? How can the treasures of this earth have so much sway and power over us?

1 Timothy 6 records a serious warning for those who fall into temptation because of their desires for earthly treasures. Their end is ruin and destruction. Yet, are we not still looking for more? Bigger cars, bigger houses, comfort, pleasure, possessions.

Money is valuable only for what it is used for. If we buy rubbish, we will get rubbish. We need to extend the walls of the church, to reach out to those who cannot be reached.

Brother Goh shared with us how he had the opportunity to be an MP, even in this coming election, but these things do not interest him. He has found the ultimate pearl, Jesus Christ, or rather the ultimate Pearl has found him. Money and power are nothing compared to the joy of knowing the Lord.

In closing, brother God exhorted us to show fine examples to our future generations, to walk in Christ-likeness and not material-mindedness.

May the Lord open our eyes to appreciate the great pearl that He has given us, and be completely content and satisfied with knowing the Lord, who satisfies like no earthly treasure can satisfy.

God bless, Jason