The storyline is so simple yet the message is extremely powerful. The comments by Jesus are as follows;

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:45 - 46)

We can imagine the scene; a trader in pearls searches for years for one special gem he has heard about, but never seen. He dreams about it, he imagines the flawless nature of it, the translucent white with just a touch of pink. He often thinks about it growing in some far-off place, the oyster being irritated by the growth of this beauty within its shell but knowing nothing of its value. He imagines the finding of the pearl by the oyster catchers, the spell it cast over those who see it, the awe and the wonder in the minds of those who sell and buy it. He imagines the travellers bringing this beauty to his own land to sell it to someone who will treasure it forever.

But alas, when he finally glimpses the beautiful pearl - he knows that he cannot afford his dream. With simple magnifying glass he examines it, spellbound at its matchless perfection. He sits for a long time thinking deeply as he views this unique pearl which he knows is priceless. He doesn't even make an offer, he knows that he just does not have enough. He returns home defeated, demoralised and disenchanted. But he cannot forget his dream, he walks restlessly day after day, pondering the possibilities until he knows that the only way is to sell everything he has. So he sells all. Finally he has sufficient money but all his possessions have gone. He returns to the pearl seller and offers that which he has, he knows that it is not enough, no, not by a long way. But it's all that he has and the pearl seller smiles, takes the money and gives the man his dream, a priceless pearl, for him to keep.

The message is equally simple yet equally significant to all;

The merchant is you, dreaming of peace, purity and perfection in life. The pearl is the Gospel of the Kingdom. It is priceless, given to you, but only if all possessions are sold.

But, we may enquire, what is the Gospel of the Kingdom, that we might be able to recognise it when we find it? What are its characteristics, its unique attributes and its irresistible power?

The Gospel of the Kingdom which was preached by Jesus Christ and the Apostles has three significant components, they are;

a) That there is a God who dwells in heaven and who rules over all. He is One, he is Creator, he is Revealer of his Word and he is the Father of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is the whole earth, and in fact, the whole of the universe - it is His domain.

b) Jesus Christ has been given the responsibility to reign on earth on behalf of his father, as king. At the present moment, he is the heir apparent, waiting in heaven to be crowned king when he returns to the earth. When he does return, the whole earth, its governments and organisation, will be changed so that finally the world will be at peace.

c) The rules of the kingdom on earth have already been given to humankind in the teaching of Jesus Christ and are to be found in the Bible. By accepting this teaching and putting it into practice in our lives we can experience a foretaste of that future age. The peace, purity and perfection of our dreams can be experienced now by giving our lives in His service.

"Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee".

The Gospel is so simple yet so profound that many are blind to its significance. It is like a beautiful pearl - pristine and precious, worth selling all, in order to have a hope in the future. That although this world seems to be in chaos, heading for disaster and total annihilation - there is a God who is in control, who has a master plan for this beautiful place, this favoured earth.

All that is required of us, is - faith. Trust that there is a God in Heaven, that he has revealed his thoughts to humankind, that He is in control and will finally complete that which he has promised to do. As the writer to the Hebrews states clearly:-

"... without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)