 | Blogs > GraceStillAmazes > Amanda's Occasional Musings > They got it backwards……. |
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I grew up being taught a few bible stories backwards. Interesting, that only as an adult, did the Holy Spirit straighten out the false teachings of man. Was anyone else out there taught this story backwards?? Here it is: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! Matthew13: vs 45 Now, I was raised believing that this was a somber warning. That the Kingdom was a treasure and I had to give up EVERYTHING to obtain it. But look again— “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant” Wait a minute—look again: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.” Let that sink in. The Kingdom is looking---NOT me!. The Kingdom. What was the Kingdom looking for?? Pearls. Choice pearls. When He found one, more valuable than any he’d ever seen before: ” he sold everything he owned and bought it!” So, what is this priceless pearl? Why, it’s ME..and YOU! He gave up everything! His throne, His place next to the Father, His Glory, His riches…His very life…EVERYTHING. To purchase….ME!!!! He loved me that much! He loved you that much! He wanted US with him THAT MUCH!! He thinks we are WORTH that much!!!! I was raised to believe that I am nothing. Worthless in the eyes of God. Sadly, many doctrines of man teach this. But that is NOT what Jesus said. He said we are “of great value”—priceless—worth everything---EVERYTHING!! And then he “put his money where his mouth is”! Did He tell the seller "Well, you have to buff that thing up first. It's not quite pretty and shiny enough for me to buy it! It's a little lopsided and there is a ding right there. My neighbor thinks it's pretty tacky, too. You need to work on it a while! I'll come back and check again when it's more worthy!" Nope! He went out immediately, and made good and sure that it was HIS. Right then and there! Nothing any human being ever says about me trumps that! I’m worth everything…EVERYTHING…to God. Wow!! Ain’t that sumpthin’?!?!?!?! "Jesus--He meets you where you are Jesus--He heals your secret scars All the love you're longing for is Jesus--The friend of a wounded heart" A wounded and broken heart We need to STOP spreading lies and half truths |
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7/30/2008 2:58 pm |
Well....I understand enough of this to know that I am precious and valuable. Blessings to you. Nancy Let us share one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ
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7/30/2008 8:31 am |
AMEN AMEN AMEN! I grew up in a culture that had it backwards...and what a revelation and freedom that comes with beginning to see ourselves as Christ sees us through His blood! WHAT A FULL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND...
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 7/30/2008 7:32 am |
I was always taught that WE are that pearl! The 'merchant' is our Lord Jesus who gave up everything to buy us and redeem us. It is so sad how we can be taught a defeating gospel that makes us feel less than God intended! Praise God you 'got it right' now  Susan aka Red God gives the very best to those who leave the choices to Him. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory. Eph 3:20 The parable of a man and his car The Cottage
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7/26/2008 4:59 pm |
What a revelation! I love it when the Holy Spirit reveals Himself like that.  "Jesus--He meets you where you are Jesus--He heals your secret scars All the love you're longing for is Jesus--The friend of a wounded heart" A wounded and broken heart We need to STOP spreading lies and half truths
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7/26/2008 4:26 pm |
What a revelation! I love it when the Holy Spirit reveals Himself like that. Lord, keep one hand on my shoulder and one hand over my mouth!
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7/26/2008 3:28 pm |
Quoting GraceStillAmazes: "I'm just odd enough to think that God is able to say what He means and mean what He says" Well I often say that very thing when discussing Genesis so I guess I can't argue with that point! But in normal speech I may very well say: "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for pearls..." when what I actually MEAN is: "The kingdom of heaven; it's like when there was a merchant looking for pearls..." Although I'm not an expert in Greek I think that the words of scripture will support that interpretation without undue stretching. But I'm glad you shared what you did because it certainly works the other way round as you described, and I had definitely never thought of it that way round. I think we both agree that both interpretations are equally valid. Peter "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2 v 15
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7/26/2008 2:08 pm |
It's an interesting thought, but I would say it works better the other way round - the believer is the merchant and the kingdom is the pearl. It comes right next to the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, where there is no doubt that the treasure is the kingdom. In both parables the buyer had to sell everything he had to get the treasure/pearl. What distinguishes them is that the merchant had been looking but the other guy found the treasure by accident. Parables are usually meant to make one point, as distinct from allegories where every detail represents something else. these two parables belong together and their point is that some people come to the Lord almost 'by accident' whereas others have been searching a very long time. Having said all that I think what you have shared is great. If the Holy Spirit has said that to you then I accept it and certainly he has the right to apply it in that way to your life if he wishes - and I think many of us will benefit from the insight he has given you. But the other way round that you were taught isn't wrong! Peter Interesting point of view. I'm just odd enough to think that God is able to say what He means and mean what He says; and that 2 different parables can and frequently do have 2 different, but compatible meanings. This parable clearly states that the Kingdom is the merchant. The parable of the merchant in no way negates the parable of the treasure in the field. You are right, the interesting difference is that the treasure was found by accident, and once discovered, it's worth became apparent. I never went looking for the Kingdom. I wasn't even interested in the Kingdom. I quite frequently gave the "Kingdom" that very rude hand gesture! On the other hand He, as the Merchant, came searching for me (and you), knowing what He was searching for! His finding me was no accident. He worked hard at running me down, even while I was spitting in His face. So, you see, both are equally valid. Once He found me, and purchased me for Himself, I discovered the value of the Kingdom, and have now indeed left all behind to follow Him. "Jesus--He meets you where you are Jesus--He heals your secret scars All the love you're longing for is Jesus--The friend of a wounded heart" A wounded and broken heart We need to STOP spreading lies and half truths
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7/26/2008 12:53 pm |
LOL... My mind is so tired. I couldnt follow it. But I wanted to let you know I was here and say Blessings to you. Dennis
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7/26/2008 12:40 pm |
It's an interesting thought, but I would say it works better the other way round - the believer is the merchant and the kingdom is the pearl. It comes right next to the parable of the treasure hidden in a field, where there is no doubt that the treasure is the kingdom. In both parables the buyer had to sell everything he had to get the treasure/pearl. What distinguishes them is that the merchant had been looking but the other guy found the treasure by accident. Parables are usually meant to make one point, as distinct from allegories where every detail represents something else. these two parables belong together and their point is that some people come to the Lord almost 'by accident' whereas others have been searching a very long time. Having said all that I think what you have shared is great. If the Holy Spirit has said that to you then I accept it and certainly he has the right to apply it in that way to your life if he wishes - and I think many of us will benefit from the insight he has given you. But the other way round that you were taught isn't wrong! Peter "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2 v 15
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7/26/2008 11:21 am |
. . .
. . . Continue to be faithful, deliverance is near, obedience must be seen, be an unconditional blessing as He continues to bless you. This time is short, serve Him well, serving all. Without exception. Know? Yes? ? .
Meow ? .
.
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