One-up

Next up: Matthew 13:45-46 – Heaven is like a merchant man seeking goodly pearls. Most of us have more than a passing familiarity with this parable, as it is used both by the church, and by the secular sector. We recall that the merchant found one pearl of great price, and when he had, he sold all that he had to obtain it.

Most people view this as an allegory that loosely defines an individual's quest toward spirituality. The common understanding places the individual as central, and in an upward transition where he or she does, finds, achieves, or becomes more.

However, it is not the merchant, but heaven, that is the true subject of the parable. Heaven owns, seeks, sorts through many 'pearls' – all of which hold qualities of value, and unique beauty. The substance of heaven is spent in the acquisition of such notable treasure. The focus of heaven is bent toward these alone.

And yet, when a pearl is found to be more than notable – when one is found to be exceptional, uncommon, extraordinary – that pearly treasure is sought at the expense of the rest. Heaven trades in all the notable pearls for this one pearl of great price. How great is the value of this one pearl? That should be plain in the fact that all other pearls are sold, and using not just the price of the pearls, but all that he possesses to purchase it. That, of course, would include possessions beyond the pearls.

We are the pearls that heaven deals in. Most of us possess a unique beauty, and value. But for most of us, our highest value consists in our being traded up to obtain the uncommon individual of great price. Heaven stands ready to surrender all it possesses to acquire it, moreover, heaven places in that object all of its desire, and attention. Heaven's full focus turns to the one.

That alone should give us a new perspective on the expression “many are called, but few are chosen.” We should, therefore, be thoroughly impressed with the difficulty of reaching the strait gate. The way is actually so narrow that only the one may pass through it. If we, as individuals, are attempting to one-up, especially those of us with spiritual inclinations, we must derive a definition for the one, and with full focus, seek what that is.

For Christians, that will be one of two things: either you busy yourselves saving others, or you busy yourselves becoming the one. If any of you are willing to look it up, a hint toward the latter goal may be found in John 17.