Daily Devotional

Sitting in my living room, I hear the sound of a helicopter flying over my house. It’s heading to the Sierra National Forest to drop water on the Creek Fire where 220,000 acres have been burned and 632 structures destroyed so far.

Many families in our church have homes in jeopardy, and some are on evacuation notice. They’ve had to pack up their most precious belongings, agonize over what to leave behind, and prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

As much as we are grateful for our homes and belongings, the fires raging out of control have reminded us how fragile possessions are. Material things are temporary. One spark and they’re gone.  

Proverbs 23:4-5 says: “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.”

So what is true wealth?  Jesus likened it to a pearl of great value.  

In the parable, we are like the merchant and the pearl is the kingdom of heaven.  

Many people exhaust themselves “seeking fine pearls” – worldly wealth, power, prestige, possessions – only to find those things unsatisfying.  

But happy are those who find the kingdom of God! Its value is priceless and incomparable – worth more than everything we have combined. And it lasts forever.  

That’s why Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20).

Personally, I like to think that the pearl of great price is Christ himself. If I have him, I possess the most valuable treasure in the world, and I am richer than a billionaire! I may not have fancy houses or cars, but I am forgiven. I have peace with God. I have eternal life. I am rich in love. Rich in faith. Rich in hope.

Christians are the richest people in the world!

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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