Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it (Matthew 13:45-46)
Oysters
When my mom was alive she cooked a special treat for me every Thanksgiving. I say “me” because she and I were the only ones who liked oyster casserole. From time to time others would taste a spoon full and with a “yuk,” confirm their dislike. This would leave me several helpings and leftovers of succulent seafood delight.
I love oysters, but oysters have more going for them than just being delicious.
When a grain of sand or other small particle slips in between its shells, an oyster will begin covering the uninvited visitor with nacre. Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a strong and iridescent material which protects the oyster from the intruder. Overtime, this nacre covered grain of sand is transformed into a pearl.
Treasure Within
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the most valuable treasure imaginable inside us, the Holy Spirit of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Holy Spirit lives in us.
He’s the deposit sealing and guaranteeing our future inheritance[1]
He’s the Helper and Comforter Jesus promised[2][3]
He’s our power to live like Jesus Christ [4]
He’s our source of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control[5]
God indwelling us is the most important thing about us, but do we live accordingly? We’re designed to live lives of dependence, not independence.
Paul wrote: For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (II Corinthians 1:8-9);
Coming to the End of Me
For years as a Christian, I tried to emulate the Jesus I read about in my own strength.
I wore myself out with Christian activities and trying to behave like Jesus. It was utter failure. Besetting sins lingered, frustration and anger brewed. Busyness crowded people out. My life felt dutiful, not delightful. I experienced dark nights of the soul progressively coming to the end of me.
At every point of surrender God was waiting to teach me a deeper level of yielding to His life within. He’s teaching me to stop doing things “for Him” and allow His Spirit to empower me.
The Abiding Life is the Dying Life
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5 NASB).
I used to think verses about abiding were good ideas. But I know now abiding is essential to living the joyous Christian life God intended.
Abiding means remaining, staying and dwelling in the spot of drawing our vital life source from Jesus the Vine. It’s yielding to Christ’s live within us; allowing Him to love others through us. But this requires us coming to terms with our spiritual death.
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20 NASB)
We died. God lives inside. He becomes our life.
Rivers of Living Water Within
Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans. He sent His Holy Spirit to comfort us, to guide us, to fuel our lives.
Right now Jesus is in us. Let’s pause and acknowledge His nearness, determining not to move on without Him.
When Jesus said, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.[6]
The word ‘Come’ means come this way. Come. Stay, Walk this way with me. It’s an invitation to a continual, lasting togetherness.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.[7]
As the adult ox bears the weight and does the work, the younger ox is guided along, resting and learning, Abiding is staying yoked and depending on the power of Jesus every moment of the day.
Prayer
Lord, I see it now. There’s really no other way to live my life than in complete dependence upon you. I died and my life is now hidden in you. I want to remain aware of your presence as much as possible throughout the day. Remind me often that you’re near. When I forget your nearness because of daily duties, bring me quickly back to the enjoyment of being with You. And when I take that all too familiar stance of depending again on me, bring my efforts to failure that I might abide again in the sweet flow of your Rivers of Living Water within. You are my Pearl of Great Value. I give up all I have and all I am to You. Please use me for Your glory. Amen.
Novels by the Author:
[1] Ephesians 1:13-14
[2] John 14:16-17
[3] Colossians 1:27
[4] Philippians 2:13
[5] Galatians 5:22-23
[6] Matthew 11:28
[7] Matthew 11:29-30