Do you know how a pearl is created?  A “natural pearl” is created by an oyster when a foreign substance, like a grain of sand, enters the oyster.   The irritation caused by the foreign substance causes the oyster to secrete “nacre” which forms around the irritant, and slowly the oyster creates a pearl.  “Cultured pearls” are also created by an oyster, but in the case of a “cultured pearl” man intervenes to introduce an irritant into the oyster.  So we can infer that a “natural pearl” is a God-made creation using only the oyster and nature but “cultured pearls” are created in a partnership between God, man and the oyster.

In the Scriptures Jesus refers to the Kingdom of Heaven being like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  “Again, 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.”  (Matthew 13:45-46)  In other words nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven!  If we knew how precious it was we would be prepared to give up everything to attain it.

I encourage you to reflect upon God’s Kingdom on earth and in heaven.  Jesus taught us to pray:  “Our Father who art in heaven.  Hallowed be thy name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”

Consider that creating God’s Kingdom on earth is more like the creation of the “cultured pearl” than the “natural pearl”.  In other words God’s glory relies on man’s participation.  Remember the natural pearl occurs by chance, but the “cultured pearl” begins to form as a result of the intervention of man cooperating with God’s grace.

When God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven, we build God’s Kingdom on earth.  We experience a foreshadowing of the joy, peace and satisfaction that God gives us in the gift of eternal life.

Consider today how will you participate in the building of God’s Kingdom on earth?  This is not intended to be a complex question.  If you are a parent, be a patient parent that can stand by your child through all the challenges they will face.  If you are an employee, do your job to the best of your ability and offer it all up to Jesus for His glory.  If your friend needs your guidance and help provide it.  Let’s strive to set a good example and let everyone see that we are Christians by our love.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

None of us will enter the Kingdom of Heaven without receiving the mercy of God: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3: 23-24

The starting point for all of us in creating God’s kingdom on earth is simple: we must repent of our sins and prove to God that we are truly sorry by striving not to repeat the same sins.  Jesus warns us, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”  Luke 13:5

There is no need to be afraid if we are ready to turn away from sin, repent and live for the honour and glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We also need to forgive one another.  Remember the Our Father prayer also includes these important words:  “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Jesus reminds us “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7

Let’s strive to make Jesus smile everyday in many simple ways.  Read the Word of God and listen to God’s inspiration for He has a plan for you.   Pray everyday for those most in need of God’s mercy, for that is true love!  Serve as you feel God is calling you to serve through the many roles you fill as a parent, as a daughter or son, as an employee, as a spouse, as a friend, as a volunteer.  Forgive others and be forgiven.

And one more thing…When the clock strikes 3pm in your local time zone, remember Jesus on the Cross dying for you, because 3pm is the time Jesus died on the Cross for the salvation of all who will believe in Him.  See your Saviour Jesus Christ at 3pm suffering to prepare a place for you in His Kingdom of Heaven and pray for the mercy of Our Lord upon all souls.

Consider this…The world is our oyster.

Everyday sin enters the world.  Sin is an offence to God and to those who love God.  We must act like the oyster does.  To stop the irritation of the foreign invader the oyster begins to work to protect itself and the end result is the creation of the pearl.  The oyster succeeds in converting the foreign invader into something beautiful.

If you believe in God you must believe that God converts sinners into beautiful people.  If we truly love God we cannot ignore the sin that is destroying the relationship between God and Man on earth.  We must strive to live honourable lives and defeat God’s enemies by fighting the good fight.  We must do good works and pray for God’s grace so that through the mercy and power of God we can destroy the forces of evil that are causing so much violence, pain and death.  We can build God’s Kingdom on earth if we stay close to Jesus, trust in Him and follow Him.  Jesus will help us to do what might seem otherwise impossible because “for God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

Never forget how much Jesus loves you and know that Our Holy Lord will be with you through every challenge. God bless you today and tomorrow and always!

Learn more about The Mercy Movement here.