"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. "
Many ripples followed a heavy splash, and then the water was still. David Morse, an American missionary crouched in the boat, his eyes riveted on the place where a stream of little bubbles rose to the surface from deep beneath the water. After many minutes a dark head appeared, and a pair of bright eyes looked up into his. The old Indian pearl diver climbed into the boat, grinning and as the river water streamed down his oiled body.


Beautiful dive, Ravi! But frightening, too. You must have dived deeper than usual. I thought I might have to row home alone!

Ah, but, Sahib, the dive and the wait were well worth this!


There in Ravi's hand, was the largest pearl the American had ever seen.


It's perfect, Ravi! I have never seen anything so beautiful.


It is not perfect, my good friend, David. In fact, I have one. . .


Here the Indian's voice trailed off strangely and he quickly changed the subject back to the pearl in his hand.


See this imperfection here -- the black speck, the tiny dent, notice how it is slightly too oblong. But it is good as pearls go, and will fetch a fine price.


Your eyes are too sharp, my friend. I would never ask for a more perfect pearl.


The two men rowed the boat to shore, and started down the dusty trail to the village.


This pearl that you think is perfect; it reminds me of what you say of your God, and how his sharp eyes see imperfections in people who think they are perfect. You see, my missionary friend, I do agree with some of your teachings.


But, Ravi, even though God sees our imperfections, he offers his perfect righteousness to all who come to his son, Jesus Christ.


With respect, Sahib. To me this is where your Christian teaching falls apart. I am too proud to accept such an easy invitation to heaven. No, I must work to prove myself worthy of a place in the celestial kingdom, or I would always feel uncomfortable.


For years, David Morse had prayed for Ravi. Lately his prayers had been more fervent, as though some great event threatened to separate his friend from God's call to Christ. He spoke with an unusual urgency.


But don't you see. No man can earn his place in God's kingdom. We are sinners, That is why God sent his son to die, to pay the ultimate penalty for sin on our behalf. Oh, my friend, you are getting older, I fear you may not have more than a season or two left to earn you living by pearl diving. I fear even more, that soon you will stand before the mighty God with only your shabby efforts to gain entrance to heaven. I urge you to accept the sacrifice of Christ, so you will be prepared to meet God.


Ravi was not offended by the missionary's words. He knew they came from years of love and friendship. But still. . .


. . .Ah, my friend, David. That is exactly what I am doing. This is my last season of diving. Next week, on the first day of the New Year I leave on a pilgrimage to Delhi—a journey of nine hundred miles, which I will walk on my knees. Surely, such a journey will assure me of heaven.


Man! You're crazy. Nine hundred miles on your knees. You will be so cut up that you will die of blood poisoning long before you reach your destination.


No, I must do this, Sahib. Then the gods will reward me. The suffering and hardship will be lost from memory when I take the place I have earned in the celestial city.


No amount of persuasion could deter the Indian from his plans. David returned to his home and agonized in prayer for his dear friend. If only, he could find the way to make him understand that while the salvation Christ won on the cross was free, it was not cheap. Later that week Ravi came to visit David who invited him in for tea.


No tea, today, old friend. I came to bring you this gift before I leave tomorrow on my pilgrimage.


In Ravi's hand was a small box. He bowed in reverence as he handed it to David.


I have had this box for years. And for years, I have not opened it, not since my son died.


I did not know you had a son. You have never mentioned him to me.


I could not, but now I must. For you see, I may never see you again, and it is the only way I have of repaying you for your many kindnesses to me over the years.
My son was also a diver; in fact, he was the best diver on the coasts of all India. Ah, what a son, and what joy he gave me. His dream was to find the finest pearl in the entire world. And so he did, but it cost him his life. You see, he stayed down too long. He soon died a horrible and painful death.


The old pearl diver bowed his head for a moment, unable to speak. His whole body shook, but there was no sound. At last he looked up, tears streaming down his face.


I give this pearl to you, my dear and best friend. See how it glows with a luster and brilliance from within? It is among the largest of any pearls found off the coast of India. If I had sold it, I could have lived the life of a prince. I know it is priceless. It is a perfect pearl.


With tender reverence he laid the pearl in David's hand. David could only stare at it in wonder, and then God answered his prayer for wisdom.


Ravi, this is a wonderful pearl, an amazing pearl. Let me buy it. I will give you ten thousand dollars for it.


What are you saying? You offer me money for the greatest thing I can give you to show you the depth of my love for you?


Well, if ten thousand is not enough, I'll pay fifteen thousand, or if you want more, I will work for you for the rest of my life to make up the difference. I must own this pearl.


This pearl is not a bauble to be bartered for, or worked for. Don't you understand, it is beyond the price of mere money? I would not sell it to you for all the money in the world. I am offering it to you as a gift.


Ravi's whole body stiffened with indignity at his friend's offer of money. David knew how much his words hurt the old diver, but still he pressed.


I cannot accept this as a gift. That is too easy. I must pay for it or work for it.


You don't understand, Sahib. My son gave his life to get this pearl, and I wouldn't sell it for any amount of money. This pearl cost my son his life's blood. I cannot sell it. I can only give it as a token of the love I have for you.


The missionary was so choked with tears he could only whisper, as he gripped the hand of his old friend.


Ravi, don't you see; all I have said to you in these few moments, you have been saying to God for these many years? You thought the gift of eternal life from God was cheap because God offered it freely, but nothing could be further from the truth! You could work for millions of years--for eternity and never, never earn God's salvation. A salvation that cost God the lifeblood of His only Son to make the entrance for you into the celestial kingdom.


The silence of the room was broken only by the sobs of the two men as they faced each other across the one abyss that had separated them for years: the salvation of God through the sacrifice of His Son. But even as David spoke, they could feel the separation closing as it came together at last.


You could walk around the earth a million times on bloody knees, all for nothing, my friend. The price has been paid, the gift is offered one more time. Won't you please accept it just as I now accept your gift of love to me; the pearl your son gave his life for?


At last the veil was lifting from Ravi's eyes. Confusion was replaced by understanding. He gripped the hand of the man who had prayed for him without ceasing.


Yes, Sahib. Yes, with all my heart I accept the Pearl of great price -- an even greater price than my beloved son paid for the one resting in your hand. I accept with humble gratitude the gift of Jesus Christ as my entrance into the celestial kingdom. Thank you, dear friend. Thank you.

UNISON

(The readers close their books and step forward)

"What shall we do that we might work the works of God? This is the work of God, that we believe in Jesus Christ whom God has sent."


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