The Making of a Pearl

Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because cannot see, and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures. For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3: 14 (TLB)

When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB)

Lu Fullilove, from Texas, recently saw a news segment reporting the discovery of the world's largest pearl. For a pearl to form, an irritant - a parasite, fish scale, or some other bit of rubbish - makes its way inside a mollusk's shell. The mollusk then secretes a substance that covers the irritant, layer after layer. These layers, which protect the mollusk from the irritant, eventually become hard and lustrous pearls. The enormous pearl Lu saw on the news must have thousands upon thousands of glistening layers.

Rubbish can enter our lives through dangerous habits, unhealthy relationships, self-doubt, or complacency. We may even come to believe that these irritants define us - that it is impossible to change. As God's transforming love covers us in layer upon layer of mercy and grace, we are protected and renewed, and our lives are made beautiful.

Prayer: Recreating God, help us to trust your transforming love to shape the pieces of our lives into something beautiful, in Jesus' name. Amen.