Pearls, Gold & Everything Bold
Did you know there was such a thing as passively moving on a thin line between faith & just enough faith? Just enough faith, meaning knowing and believing God is going to work, but no longer waiting expectantly… “Just enough faith to know you are not throwing in the towel on the Lord and your relationship with Him… but not THE FAITH to keep the hope alive in spite of uncertainty, worry, disappointment, waiting and going through the bland motions of life.
You may have heard the same things- a promise, quote, scripture, song, and etc. being repeated over and over again, that it’s no longer a surprise, no longer intriguing and certainly does not ring a bell. That “I leave it to God” problem which feels like a hopeless situation, yet rears its ugly head at the least opportunity. “I know the Lord will come through” we say.. But where is the hope? Really, what does our hope truly lie in?
Gold
Peter, in the first chapter of his book, reminded the gentiles that their trials and sufferings did not mean they were defeated. Rather, He reassured them of their identity and purpose as the body of Christ. In 1 Peter 1:7, we learn that the faith we have in trials are of greater value than gold. The genuineness of our faith triumphs over what the world considers valuable! Even Job stated this in the midst of his trials, he said.. “When he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.- Job 23:10
Pearls
Speaking of what is considered value, let us talk about pearls.. A pearl is a precious gemstone. Unlike all other precious gemstones, it is formed inside of a living being, either an oyster or a mussel. The merchant in Matthew 13:45–46 went round looking for fine pearls, but he found one of great value, then he gave all he had just to have that one. So that pearl was not just a “fine pearl” it was more than that. The kingdom of heaven is not a fairytale, neither is it folklore. It is not just a place, it is real! A multifaceted treasure! It is hidden, yet all who seek shall find.
Everything
Yes, all who seek shall find. God is not saying our problems are not of importance. In fact, they mean more to him than they do to us, but doesn’t He say we should seek His kingdom and his righteousness first? Do not let the issues of life devour your identity and purpose in Christ, and keep you from exuding truth and Hope.
Hebrews 4:16 tells Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
There are so many distractions around us. No one, believer or unbeliever is exempt from the world’s craziness. However, as believers we are not without a LIVING HOPE. Remember what Peter said? “In God’s great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” 1 Peter 1:3–5…. Jesus Christ, our living hope. Jesus Christ, who was and is to come.
The one who is worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
The one who created all things,
and by His will they were created
and have their being.- Rev 4:11
Now.. This is the good news! He is coming again! Jesus is coming! It does not matter how many times you’ve heard it or if you have not heard it at all. Jesus is coming.. “REST YOUR HOPE” The problems of this world are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us! So the question is no longer where does your hope truly lie, but I say to you.. He is coming soon, the King is coming… Rest your hope! Gird up your loins! When you don’t know how to hope anymore Rest your hope in this one thing: Jesus is coming. It is easy to forget this with the hustle and bustle we face on the daily, yet the truth remains, the Kingdom of heaven is near-turn to God!
There are so many layers to the coming of Christ.. how he’s coming, what will happen before he comes, when he’s coming, how to prepare for his coming and many more.. but the first step is to KNOW He’s coming.
Bold
It takes a bold step to follow Christ and submit to His will.. Yet, it is worth it. This bold step does not end with us.. But it starts within us a Kingdom that can never be shaken.. Go and tell it on the mountain, tell them to turn to God. Tell them the time is drawing near, one day is like 1000 years and 1000 years like a day before Him. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. This is not the time to be afraid of His coming- 1John 2:28.. but to be aware. This is not the time to be afraid of sharing the truth of His coming with others. For the fear of man is a snare but the fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom.
Be bold. Be strong. Be courageous! This is the commission.. Tell them I am coming. Remind them of their first love. For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us and we love because He first loved us!
JESUS IS COMING. REST YOUR HOPE! WAIT EXPECTANTLY FOR HIM.
