by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Rare commodity.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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 13:45

What are all these seminarians looking at so intently? It is Johann Sebastian Bach’s personal Bible, with tiny notes written by the great composer himself. It is kept in the rare book room of Concordia Seminary, and only brought out for special occasions.

Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a merchant who searched until he found a rare, and valuable, pearl. When he found it, he sold all that he had to own it.

We love, and value, rare, and highly esteemed, treasures. We may even sacrifice much in our lives to have them. So it is when you, and I, discover the Greatest Treasure of all, the Pearl of Great Price, salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. For God has so loved you that He has sent His only Son to die for you, that you might never perish but have eternal life.

Jesus said all other treasures will rot, rust, or be stolen, and will perish as all treasures do. However, salvation in Jesus can not be taken from us. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 8:38)

“God’s Word forever shall abide, No thanks to foes, who fear it;
For God Himself fights by our side With weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house, Goods, honor, child, or spouse,
Though life be wrenched away, They cannot win the day.
The Kingdom’s ours forever!”

Amen!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado