The Merchant’s Exchange Resulted in Riches
THE MERCHANT’S EXCHANGE RESULTED IN MORE RICHES AND TREASURE FOR HIMSELF THAN WE CAN EVER FULLY COMPREHEND
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
God speaks to us in ways that we can understand. He speaks here of a man buying Christ. It can be understood as losing all for the sake of gaining Christ. One thing the rich man lacked, to sell all his goods, give it to the poor, and follow Christ. This was a commandment too high for the rich man for he was very rich. He would not follow Christ on account of His riches. The Christian is one who has parted, can part, will part, counts himself as parting from all earthly things to gain the heavenly. And if this can be considered an exchange, that which the merchant receives is a treasure and riches more than can ever be comprehended.
In the fall of 2017, the corporation well known to us as Amazon reported its revenues and profits for the quarter to investors. The next day, the stock price of Amazon rose more than $120 per share. This is when Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is said to have made more than $6 Billion. He is one the merchants of the world look to as a model of success. They too want to make their billions like Jeff.
Mr. Bezos’ wealth can be measured. While he has much money, his wealth is quantifiable. You can add up his houses, stock, cash, and all his assets, subtract his liabilities, and determine his economic value.
In contrast, the poor looking Christian in the Kingdom of Heaven who drives a typical car, eats out but rarely, and must drive long distances rather than flying, has treasure that is so great it cannot be qualified. For how can you quantify that which cannot be purchased? How can you quantify that which is eternal? How can you quantify a gift that gives no end in satisfaction? The merchant sacrifices all in this life to gain all in Christ Jesus. What an exchange. What riches for the merchant!
My friend, at the end of II Corinthians 5, the Lord says that Jesus has been made sin for us. Jesus who knew no sin has been made sin for us so that we who knew nothing but sin might be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Has there ever been exchange like this? He who is holy, harmless, and undefiled took upon Himself all of the Christian’s sins, paid for those sins, suffered death for these sins, and gave to worthless sinners His righteousness of infinite value. Are you partaker of this great exchange my friend? You who have already believed? Do you see the treasures you have in your pearl? Fret not at the wealthy of the world – you are of far more worth than one of them – for you have that which is eternal. That which they have shall soon leave them.
Ben Stahl, Elder