|
Thought of the Month "They shall be mine...in that day A jewel is a thing of beauty and value. The value part of this was probably the reason for the recent raid of deposit boxes in London's jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden. A former police officer, Roy Ramm was quoted as saying that he would not be surprised if the value of the jewellery stolen was worth as much as £200m, which is about $300m or 300m Euros. Jewels occur in various parts of Scripture. In the Old Testament they were set on the ephod or breastplate for Aaron the High Priest (Exodus 39.8-14). In the New Testament the foundations of the wall of the city in the New Jerusalem were garnished with twelve precious stones. (Rev.21.19-21). Jewels, especially diamonds, have many qualities—hardness, colour and transparency, brilliancy and fire (light). They are also excellent conductors of heat burning only at 800 degrees Centigrade or 1470 degrees Fahrenheit as well as being resistant to attacks by acids or alkalis. Before diamonds or other jewels can be used or displayed they need to be extracted often by expensive mechanical processes from the earth, they have to be cut with great care and precision to remove the rock that surrounds them and cut away any imperfections and polished. Most gems have about 58 facets or sides. The Cullinan diamond from South Africa, which was presented to King Edward VII in November 1907 took over 7,000 hours to polish. If we apply this idea to the work that is going on now in Christians, any tribulation, polishing and removal of imperfections that may be felt in our lives is producing something beautiful and valuable, and we therefore can take heart and give thanks. Paul says, "we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14.22) James says "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, because having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1.12 MKJV). The writer to the Hebrews says "do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens" (Heb.12.5—6 NKJV). How wonderful to think of Christians becoming jewels that our Lord is preparing for a special place for a far-reaching purpose. The Trial of our faith is spoken of by Peter as a fiery trial but a necessary experience if our faith is to be developed. He compares it to gold which is a precious and valuable metal and so is our faith. Then if we keep our faith and confidence in God and belief that our Lord Jesus was raised from the dead we are more prepared for the kingdom.1 Peter 1.7 ESV "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This seems a wonderful thought that when the genuineness of our faith is displayed then it is like praising the Lord. Perhaps it's not a mere coincidence that jewels such as diamonds and sapphires are used in engagement rings in this country, such as the one given to the Duchess of Cambridge. Christians at this time are in some ways engaged for a wedding—a wedding we long for. This state is a great joy every day. |
