Lesson 79. Heavenly Commerce

Commerce is the exchange of goods or their purchase at a stated or negotiated price. This sphere of activity serves as an intermediate link between the producer and the final consumer. Commerce may take the form of exchanging one product for another of equal value—barter—or exchanging a product for an established monetary equivalent—a purchase.

The Faithful and True Witness counsels me to buy certain goods from Him. First, however, He convinces me that everything valuable and right in my own eyes is actually my problem—one that causes Him disgust. Furthermore, I am unable to solve this problem by myself.

The Lord not only defines my values but also offers what has true value in His sight. Even if I do not fully understand what Jesus is offering me, it will be better for me to buy it than to understand my true condition and decide 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. Until now, His word has accomplished everything for which it was spoken. This is important to consider.

Although I am merely counseled to make a purchase, this does not mean that there will be no consequences if I buy nothing. We are not being offered trinkets that merely collect dust, but something extremely valuable for our salvation. Without it, we cannot be justified by God.

Now, interested in the offer, I decide to heed the counsel. I approach the counter—and what do I see there?

When I heard the names of the goods, I expected to see a small bar of pure gold, a white robe, and a tube of ointment lying on the counter. But what I saw captivated and amazed me. Instead of a bar of gold, a boundless ocean of pure gold appeared before my eyes, with its infinite riches and possibilities. Instead of a small white robe, I saw incomparably radiant garments of light made of heavenly holiness, proceeding from the Throne of Grace. These garments shimmered with every color of the rainbow, dazzling my eyes with their astonishing purity and whiteness. Not a single dark spot was upon them. Jesus Himself was clothed in such a garment, and it reflected all the beauty of His character and holiness.

The eyesalve was like a pure river, ready to pour upon my mind in life-giving streams of heavy rain, washing my eyes with its transparent waters, restoring my damaged mind, and lifting me above the vanity of this world so that I might see all these matters from the height of God’s providence.

I stand at the counter, captivated by the goods of Heaven, and my tongue is unable to utter a word. But I dare to ask, “How much does this cost? What price have You set for these goods, Lord?”

He looks into my eyes and makes me understand that what is precious in Heaven can be purchased only with what is most precious in my heart. I begin to “search through my pockets” and take out the lust of my flesh, the lust of my eyes, and my pride of life. Oh, how ashamed I am to show these things! Where can I hide my eyes in shame? I feel as though I am about to 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! Your stained garment would also make an excellent addition to your valuables. And if you give Me all your time as well, I think the transaction can be completed.”

But I thought that I would set my own prices, grab something from the counter, and run away. I did not expect such a blow—straight to the heart. He wants to make me completely poor, naked, and defenseless, shamelessly stripping me of everything. Still, the heavenly goods are very attractive. I ask, “May I keep something of my own, at least a little, as a remembrance?” Jesus looks at me sadly, and I understand everything. I stand there making my decision. Two paths lie before me: the world or Heaven. I must choose.

Through this offer and counsel, the Lord appeals to my will, addressing her reason and heart and making it clear that He desires to become her Husband. If she refuses, she will become the wife of another husband, one who is closer to her according to the flesh.

I am in despair. My choice determines everything. Any delay or hesitation will sound like “no.” Will I ever hear such counsel again?

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 supply all my needs.

I choose Jesus and give Him everything He desires to receive.

A joyful smile appears on His face. He is so happy that He cannot conceal it. Jesus says that if I remain faithful to Him while I live in this world, He will also share His throne with me. I do not fully understand what this means, but I think it must be something good, since He offers it with such joy.

To be stripped in the presence of the whole world and Heaven was very painful for me. I burned with shame. Everyone saw my nakedness. But the choice had been made, and I had to pass through this. My pride, my lust, and my time—all became Christ’s property. My filthy garment adorned His collection, which He plans to burn.

Now I belong to Jesus. My will is under His authority. I sold everything in order to buy what I had been counseled to purchase. How wonderful it proved to be! I had never expected such a life.

The world furiously attacks me with its temptations, while I pay for its services with heavenly values. My carnal nature lies pinned to the ground beneath the weight of my daily choice in favor of Heaven. My old self tries to raise its repulsive head, but I give it no chance.

Jesus has become even nearer to me. I understand that all these new goods remain very unusual to me and that I must 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 that I always have access to it. Yet because I am accustomed to living differently, I still need time to become familiar with these new values and learn to use them for the glory of God.

The trading is over. The transaction has been completed. My thoughts are filled with delight. I enter my home, close the door, sit down on the sofa, and begin to reflect. What has happened? Where am I? What should I do next? Is this like a dream? My eyes see everything just as before. Reality is still the same. The cares of life have not changed at all. But inwardly I have become different. A heavenly fire has been kindled within me, and it gives me no right to remain silent. I pray for wisdom to speak, and it comes. I begin to testify, but in response I hear ridicule and insults. I did not expect such opposition. Yet I cannot and do not want to turn back. I ask for power from above to love, and it comes.

As I travel through life, I become very weary from the constant struggle, but the Lord strengthens me and gives me power.

What joy! I bought Heaven; I acquired Christ. What awaits me next? The Lord points me to Calvary and makes me understand that I must still look upon the world from its summit—from the height of the cross. How fascinating! And I am no longer afraid. Yet understanding that this is a great reward for the chosen, I continue preparing to move, seeking to leave everything behind in this world.

Jesus gently embraces me. How pleasant it is to experience these moments of happiness in His arms of love! But He releases me and assures me of His tender care, saying that He is with me always, even unto the end of the world.

1. Describe what was revealed to you in this lesson. What new insights did you receive?

2. How relevant is this counsel to buy heavenly goods for me personally?

3. What can I use to pay for this purchase, and how should I understand this in my life?

4. Is my direct participation in this transaction important, or is this the responsibility of pastors?

5. What do I acquire as a result of this purchase?

6. Does this lesson have anything in common with Matthew 25:9?

7. What Bible verses came to your mind while studying this lesson?