The Mother of Pearl Story

When we were kids, after church, our parents used to ask us about the lessons we learned on our car ride home. They wanted to make sure we were paying attention. I always looked forward to sermons that included engaging stories because they helped me remember the message better. Even now, I can vividly recall some of those stories. But the one sermon that left the biggest impression on me during my childhood was the mother-of-pearl story.

I can still remember the speaker's facial expressions and intense emotions as he passionately described the suffering and agony the oyster goes through when an irritant such as a grain of sand or a parasite slips into its flesh. I was an animal lover growing up, so it made me cringe in horror.

While the oyster endures immense pain, it secretes a substance called Nacre, which acts as a protective coating to reduce irritation. Layer after layer, it envelops the irritant, eventually forming the pearl, one of the world's most valuable gems.

While studying a song by Hezekiah this week, I recalled the mother-of-pearl story I heard in my childhood. Hezekiah recounts a period of illness and recovery in his life. While ill, he describes being near the gates of death, moaning like a mourning dove, and experiencing the deep anguish of the soul, which means severe mental pain and suffering.

Reflecting on his suffering, he wrote, "Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish" (Isaiah 38:16-17, NIV)

In his time of distress, Hezekiah turned to God, finding renewal and strength for his spirit. While his body and mind were suffering, his spirit found life.  Hezekiah discovered profound beauty emerging from his pain, recognizing the deeper purpose behind his anguish.