If I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again … you are never too old to learn something new. I was excited when I ran across some information about pearls this week. Did you know an oyster that has not been wounded in any way does not produce pearls? A pearl is a healed wound. Actually, pearls are a product of pain, the result of a foreign or unwanted substance entering the oyster, such as a parasite or a grain of sand. The inside of an oyster shell is a shiny substance called “nacre.” When a grain of sand enters, the nacre cells go to work and cover the grain of sand with layers and more layers to protect the defenseless body from the oyster. As a result, a beautiful pearl is formed! The more pearls, the more valuable. Wow! I was blown away by this.
As a young girl I saw my mother wear her pearls every day and have been fascinated with them ever since. Now I look at my mother’s old pearl necklace as it has yellowed and the clasp is worn. I know pearls have always had great value. But what does the Bible say about them? Quite a lot, actually.
Of all the precious jewels of the world, nothing compares with the glow of pearls. With no cutting, chipping, or polishing needed to bring out their natural beauty, these perfectly shaped spheres are incredibly valuable. Thomas Edison once described cultured pearls as an apparent “biological impossibility.” As explained above, the birth of pearls is miraculous. Damaged oysters create these objects of great beauty and worth. It’s fascinating, then, that pearls—formed from brokenness and suffering—symbolize the perfection of the kingdom of heaven, for no one can enter its celestial city without first walking through its “pearly gates” (Rev. 21:21). It’s as if God created oysters to re-enact the gospel story. The suffering of the Lamb created a gateway for us to enter the kingdom of heaven, which cannot be entered without accepting the message of brokenness. Through this metaphor of the pearl, we can see God’s people displayed and glorified in weakness while covered in the beauty of God living eternally in heaven.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45–46). Are we God’s pearls of great price? I believe it’s possible that the more we recognize our personal brokenness and the mercy God extends so graciously to us, the more we are able to worship Him and engage those who are broken and suffering in this world. Pearls not only give a picture of how this world will one day be redeemed into a thing of great beauty, but how we are more cherished in the eyes of God than we could possibly hope or imagine.
Just like the pearl, God never allows pain without a purpose. It’s possible your greatest ministry to others will come out of your greatest hurt. The hard things we may be going through now are really nothing in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in and through us later. (Romans 8:17-18) There have been many times where I realized my need for Jesus was all-consuming. Every time I sought Him, I found Him. Then I realized He never left me … I was the one leaving. Then, as I began to trust Him more, my faith increased … similar to the clasp on that string of pearls. Faith in Christ and His power to redeem life keeps those pearls from getting lost.
Lord, grant me eyes to see that my life is not the sum of a thousand random fragments. Long before I knew You, You knew me. Help me to recognize the pearls that have only made You more valuable to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
