Trade is an exchange of goods or their acquisition at a specified or negotiated cost. This sphere of activity is an intermediate link between the producer and the end consumer. Trade is carried out by exchanging goods of equal value – barter, or exchanging goods for an established monetary equivalent – purchase.
The Faithful and True Witness advises me to buy certain goods from Him. First, He convinces me that everything valuable and correct in my eyes is actually a problem that disgusts Him. Moreover, I am unable to solve this problem myself.
And the Lord not only defines my values but also offers what has true significance in His eyes. Even if I buy what Jesus offers without fully understanding it, it would be better than understanding my true state and deciding to remain in it. The warning that I will be spewed out of Christ's mouth will one day be fulfilled. The Lord will do exactly what He says. His word has always fulfilled everything for which it was spoken. And this is important to consider.
Despite being merely advised to make a purchase, this does not mean there will be no consequences if I acquire nothing. We are not offered trinkets to collect dust, but something very valuable for our salvation. Without this, we cannot be justified by God.
And here I am, interested in the offer, deciding to listen to the advice. I approach the counter, and what do I see?
When I heard the names of the goods, I thought there would be a small ingot of pure gold, a white robe, and a tube of ointment on the counter. But what I saw enchanted and surprised me.
Instead of an ingot, before my eyes was an endless ocean of pure gold with its infinite riches and possibilities. And instead of a small white robe, I saw incomparably bright garments of light from Heavenly holiness, emanating from the Throne of Grace. These garments shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow, blinding my gaze with amazing purity and whiteness. Not a single dark spot was on them. Jesus Himself was dressed in such clothing. And it reflected all the beauty of His character and holiness.
The eye salve was like a pure river, ready to pour out life-giving streams of a strong rain onto my consciousness, to wash my eyes with its transparent waters, restore my damaged mind, and lift me above the vanity of this world, giving me the opportunity to see all these works from the height of God's providence.
I stand at the counter, enchanted by the goods of Heaven. And my tongue is unable to pronounce anything. But I dare to ask: "How much does this cost? What price have You set, Lord, for this item?"
He looks into my eyes and makes me understand that Heavenly Valuables can only be acquired with the most valuable thing in my heart. I begin to "rummage through my pockets," pulling out the lust of my flesh, the lust of my eyes, and my worldly pride. Oh, how ashamed I am to show this! Where can I hide my eyes from shame. I feel I might die in the presence of a pure God. But He joyfully declares: "This is exactly what I would very much like to receive from you! And also, your soiled clothing will be a very good addition to your values. And if you give Me all your time as well, I think the deal can be made."
I thought I would set my own prices and grab something from the counter and run away. I did not expect such a blow. Right to the heart. He wants to make me completely poor, naked, and defenseless, so shamelessly stripping me. However, the Heavenly goods were quite attractive. I asked: "Can I keep something of my own, at least a little, as a memory?" Jesus looked at me with sadness, and I understood everything. I stand and decide. Before me are two paths: the world or Heaven. And I need to determine my choice.
The Lord in this offer and advice addresses my will, appealing to its reason and heart, making it clear that He desires to become its husband. In case of refusal, it will be the wife of another husband, who is closer to the flesh.
I am in despair. My choice determines everything. Any delay or doubt will sound like a "no". Will this advice be repeated for me?
I understand that my connection with the world will be severed forever, although its temptations will continue to attack me. I realize that Heaven will meet all my needs.
I choose Jesus and give Him everything He wishes to receive.
A joyful smile appears on His face. He is so happy that he cannot even hide it. Jesus says that if I remain faithful to Him while living in this world, He will share His throne with me. I don't quite understand what this means, but I think it is something good since He offers it so joyfully.
Undressing in the presence of the entire world and Heaven was very painful for me. I burned with shame. Everyone saw my nakedness. But the choice is made, and I must go through this. My pride, my lust, my time – all of this became Christ's property. My dirty clothes adorned His collection, which He plans to burn.
Now I belong to Jesus. My will is in His power. I sold everything to buy what was advised to me. How beautiful this turned out to be! I didn't even expect such a life.
The world furiously attacked me with its temptations, but I pay it for its services with heavenly values. My carnal self lies on its back under the weight of my daily choice in favor of Heaven. My old "I" tries to raise its disgusting head. But I give it no chance.
Jesus became even closer to me. I understand that these new goods remain very unusual for me, and I need to learn how to use them. But teaching me brings joy to my Lord. He assures me that everything I have acquired is my property, and I always have access to it. But since I am used to living differently, I still need time to get used to the new values and learn to use them for God's glory.
The trade is over. The deal is made. My thoughts are full of delight. I enter my home, close the door, sit on the sofa, and ponder. What happened? Where am I? What to do next? Does this not seem like a dream? My eyes see everything as before, the reality is the same, everyday concerns have not changed at all. But inside, I have become different. A heavenly fire is lit within me, which does not give me the right to be silent. I pray for wisdom to speak, and it comes. I begin to testify, and in response, I hear mockery and insults. I did not expect such opposition. But I cannot and do not want to go back. I ask for strength from above to love, and it comes.
Walking through life, I get very tired from constant struggle, but the Lord strengthens me and gives me strength.
How joyful! I bought Heaven, I acquired Christ. What awaits me next? And the Lord points me to Calvary and makes me understand that I still have to look at the world from its peak, from the height of the cross. How interesting! And no longer scary. However, understanding that this is a great reward for the chosen, I continue to prepare for moving, trying to leave everything in this world.
Jesus gently hugs me. How pleasant to experience these moments of happiness in His loving embrace! But He lets me go, assures me of His tender attitude, saying that He is with me all the days until the end of the age.
Reflection Questions for this Chapter
1. Tell me what was revealed to you in this chapter? What revelations did you have?
2. How relevant is this advice about buying Heavenly goods for me?
3. How can I pay for this purchase, and how does this understanding apply to my life?
4. Is my direct participation in this transaction important, or is this a task for pastors?
5. What do I acquire as a result of this purchase?
6. Is there anything in common in this chapter with the verse Matthew 25:9?
7. What biblical verses came to your mind while studying this lesson?