"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. And when he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." --Matt. 13:45-46
The kingdom of God has more value than anything else in the world. Be prepared, willing and so desperate and thirsty for His sake, that ALL else is like filthy rags, rubble, dust-to-dust; such that you are coming naked, imploring, humble, bereft of ALL personal ambition, gain, glory, power, pleasure, ease . . . to find having attained that pearl of great price. The rest is dust in the wind. No partiality. One must give one's whole life to the Lord, for He gave His for us! What will you give to the One who saved your life?!
"Jesus said, if anyone come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." --Matt. 16:24
The angels rejoice! They are round-about! Word spreads! The Messengers watch and protect and report the good news! All clinging to the things of the world must be let go, in full.
"Jesus answered, 'if you want to be perfect, go sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come follow Me.'" --Matt. 19:21
He said to the young wealthy man, the "young rich ruler" . . . and "man about town" so-to-speak. . . .
The fellow had a strong inkling of Who Jesus was, and his conscience was pricking. HOPING there might be a way to ride the fence, have a bit of this and a bit of THAT, he asked, "what must I do to gain eternal life?" He was wise enough to know that life is fleeting and that "you can't take it with you" . . . so was looking for the next, inevitable realm to be comfortable and thriving in, as he had been in this world.
But he could not, would not give all to reach there. The Lord offered him the way. But personal pride and an ever yet clinging to the passing, glittering baubles of THIS world, yet held sway. A tragic tale and a warning to all.
