Steve and I flew into Chicago last week. As I was standing on the jet bridge, waiting for our bags that we checked at the gate, I happened to glance down. Instantly, I noticed that my diamond was missing from my ring! After a momentary panic, I showed Steve and he immediately went into action. He got back on the plane and started searching. Not only did Steve search, but the pilot instantly got on his knees and joined in (Thanks, United!). Meanwhile, I waited on the jet bridge, holding my breath. Steve has far better eyes than I, so he was far better to search the plane. After a few minutes, Steve came off the plane with a big grin on his face. Everyone waiting for their baggage was relieved when Steve showed up with the diamond in his hand. Yup. He’s my hero!
Jesus also told a story about a person searching a field for hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44-46. When He found the treasure, he hid it and then bought the whole field—selling everything he had just so he could own the treasure. Then Jesus went on and said that the kingdom is like a “jewel merchant in search of rare pearls.” The text says pearls, but really, we could use diamonds. The merchant immediately gave up all He had in exchange for it (Matthew 13:46). Some Bible commentaries say that the merchant is you or me, and when we come to Christ, we give up everything to know Him.
But there’s another interpretation that also has great merit. What if the merchant is Jesus? He gave up all He owned in heaven and sacrificed His life in exchange for you, the treasure! Think about it. Imagine Jesus, the God of the universe, searching tirelessly for you—the priceless pearl or the diamond. (Your choice—which jewel are you most like?) If we go with the second interpretation, what are the implications for you and me?
God considers you precious. “Since you are precious and honored in my sight (Isa. 43:4a). My diamond is precious to me. It represents Steve’s love for me and the beauty of our relationship. It was worth the inconvenience of the search to find it. Similarly, God calls you precious and sacrificed it all so you would know Him because you’re precious to Him.
God hasn’t forgotten you, even though you might feel you’re in a dark place. “God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness, I can see the path ahead” (Ps. 18:28, TPT). Sometimes when we feel “hidden” we feel forgotten by God. You may be walking through trials or difficult times. You may feel confused about what to do next. Others may have rejected you or abandoned you. Here’s the thing: God has not abandoned you. He won’t. It’s inconsistent with His nature. He continues to pursue you. He will give you wisdom as you move forward in faith.
God has sacrificed everything on your behalf; your life belongs to Him. “You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God!” (1 Cor. 6:20). Friend, you were an expensive purchase. You owe God your life, so live accordingly. Live to please and glorify the one who gave it all for you. He deserves your honor and praise. {eoa}
Becky Harling, an author, certified speaker, leadership coach and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, is an energetic and motivational international speaker inspiring audiences to overcome their greatest life challenges and reach their full God-given potential. Her most recent book is How to Listen So People Will Talk. Her husband, Steve Harling, is the president of Reach Beyond, a nonprofit organization seeking to be the voice and hands of Jesus around the world.
This article originally appeared at beckyharling.com.
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