Peter Waldo, or Valdesius, or Waldensis, as he was variously called, was a rich
and distinguished citizen of Lyons, France, in the closing decades of the
twelfth century. Waldo was at first led to study the Bible and he made a
translation of it, which he circulated among the people.
The reading of the Gospels led to an imitation of Christ. Waldo took the manner
of his life from the Scriptures, and he soon had a multitude of disciples. They
gave their property to the poor and began to preach in the city. When they
refused to cease preaching they were expelled from Lyons and preached in other
towns.
One such Waldensian preacher went about in the guise of an itinerant salesman.
When he arrived at the local manor, all the townspeople, including masters and
servants, would gather around while he showed his various wares--fabrics,
jewelry, and artifacts. But even as he sold he would make allusion to more
precious goods in his possession, to jewels of inestimable value he was in a
position to offer. The curiosity of his audience kindled, the Waldensian would
then speak of "The Pearl of Great Price", the Gospel of Jesus, and gradually
proceed to contrast the official Church, in its love of power, riches, and
luxury with the purity of the Gospel.
The Gospel of Christ is the greatest inheritance we can receive. Today in
prayer, give thanks to the Lord for His indescribable great gift in Christ.
"Oh, lady fair, I have yet a gem, which a purer lustre flings Than the diamond
flash of the jeweled crown on the lofty brow of kings; A wonderful pearl of
exceeding price, whose virtue shall not decay, Whose light shall be as a spell
to thee and a blessing on thy way." The cloud went off from the pilgrim's brow
as a small, meager book, Unchased with gold or gem of cost, from his folding
robe he took. "Here, lady fair, is the pearl of price, may it prove as much to
thee. Nay, keep thy gold, I ask it not, for the word of God is free." - John
Greenleaf Whittier
God's Word: "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
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN EPHESIANS
pkennedy@devotional.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.