The Parable of the Pathway, the Pearl and the Pond

I thought of this while in the Garden of Gethsemane this Sabbath. I got to write a parable for my New Testament class and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy...

The kingdom of heaven is likened unto three men seeking treasure. There was a treasure of pearls in a pond at the end of a treacherous pathway. At the beginning of the pathway was a division. One led left the other right. The left was lit by other sources. The right path required that one bring light because it was not lit. A sign was posted in the dark at the division that read “this is the way” with an arrow pointing to the right.

The first man entered without his own light and did not see the sign to direct his path. Therefore, he took the path to the left lit by other sources. He took this path and was overtaken by evil men.

The second man enters and sees the sign because he had brought a light he had borrowed. He goes down the dark path. The path is very treacherous and narrow. On the way, he finds a pearl. When he finds this pearl, he rejoices thinking that he has found the treasure. As he inspects the pearl, he wonders if it really is the treasure he was seeking for. At this moment his light begins to fade and he runs in fear that he will have no light to reach the entrance with the his treasure. He barely reaches the place of division in time for his light to go out completely. He sees the trail that is lit by other sources and takes it. When on this path, he is overcome by evil men and looses the pearl. Believing that the one pearl was the only treasure, he loses hope for any future treasure to be found.

The third man enters with his own light and ample charge. He finds the pathway that is dark and takes it after seeing the sign’s direction. He finds the pearl in the pathway, yet he feels there must be something more. He continues in the path which becomes even more dark and treacherous, but because his lamp is powerful, he finds his way to the end of the pathway. There he sees a pond in which are found countless pearls deep within. The man rejoices at having found the treasure and begins to immerse himself to retrieve the treasure.

Please share the meanings that you think this could have. I already have my own, but I would be interested to know what you all think. If you can't comment on this blog, just send it to my email at hermanoproctor@gmail.com.

LOVE

Throughout my journey here in the Holy Land, there has been a funny rule in which the students in the Jerusalem center program are encouraged not to become romantically involved with each other. I have often been frustrated with this rule/encouragement because I quite enjoy dating and communicating to girls that I am interested in them. Lately this has reminded me of something that one of my religion teachers at BYU taught us in a class about scripture study. He said this:

"Our relationship with the words of Christ determines our relationship with Christ Himself. And our relationship with Christ, determines our relationship with everyone else."

Think about it for a minute. I have been thinking about it the last few days and I often think about it when my scripture study is not at its best. When scriptures are neglected, I can feel it in my life and I can feel it in my relationships with others. I was talking to one of the girls here in the center about this and how one must have Christlike love or their relationship/marriage will never survive. The only way to succeed is having Charity or Christlike love for your spouse. I am not married, but it just seems to make sense.

In a seventeenth century book called The Temple, by George Herbert there is a poem called "Love" that I believe paints a picture of the power of the atonement and the love that Jesus Christ has for us all, and His power to forgive and His allowance for even the vilest of sinners.

-Love-

Green text: the sinner

Blue text: The Lord

"Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,

Guiltie of dust and sinne.

But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lack'd anything.

A guest, I answer'd, worthy to be here:

Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkinde, ungratefull? Ah my deare,

I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

Who made these eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marr'd them: let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, sayes Love, who bore the blame?

My deare, then I will serve.

You must sit down, sayes Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat.

I think of the vendors here who try to get me to come into their restaurants on the streets of the old city. The image of Jesus saying to me, "come in, eat!", and then I say, "oh I don't think I can afford that, I am not worthy to go into such a place; plus, I am all dirty and your restaurant is white and clean". Then He says, "Andy, don't you know? it's already paid for. Just come in and eat." Then I say back, "but of all people, me?" Then the Lord says, "You must sit down, and taste my meat." Then I sit and eat and taste of the unconditional love of Christ. We must sit and eat of His meat. If we do, all other relationships will be in order and we will not worry.

Shepherds why this Jubilee?

We went to Bethlehem earlier in the semester and tonight we finally went to Shepherds fields overlooking the little town of Bethlehem. We had a little Christmas in July. It was so wonderful. We all dressed up (pictures will come later with better internet connection), and sang Christmas songs and shared Christmas stories as the sun went down. On our way out we were blessed to see an actual shepherd watching over sheep on the slope. This was such a wonderfully vivid trip back in time. I loved it. I love this shepherd's face looking out over the sheep on the hill.

Red Sea / Gulf of Aqaba Snorkeling!

Here is the northern most tip of the Gulf of Aqaba

On the beach
Before the dive
Playing around off the dock

Here are the reefs. (so much more beautiful from under water)
Mariah making faces

Fishy
The Eilat Boardwalk
Looking south toward Saudi Arabia.

It was so nice to have a free day to go and swim and relax after a gruling week of finals.