Craig Clouston

From Deep Inside

They will sparkle … like jewels in a crown.
Zechariah 9:16

As he studied the stone through his magnifying monocle, the jeweler could see that this last facet needed only a bit more polishing to make it perfect. Placing the stone jig against the polishing wheel and adding just the right pressure, he proceeded to remove the final flaw from the gem.
“There, that is enough!” he whispered breathlessly. Raising the stone so he could examine it once more, he found it exquisite. “The king deserves only the best!”
If the jeweler found it acceptable, the king would be thrilled! And so he should be, for the jeweler had spent many hours cutting this diamond. He had chosen just the right stone for clarity and color. “This stone’s brilliance shall be unmatched.”
The master jeweler took great pride in producing only the highest quality gemstones for those who could afford his services. He knew that not all diamonds were clear or white. Many were imbued with translucent, clear-as-glass colors, making them even more precious than white diamonds. This stone, chosen from one of the king’s own mines, was a deep blue, its worth beyond measure. There wasn’t another stone like this anywhere. “Perfect! It shines from its depths!”

†

Gemstones are formed under great pressure. Many centuries of compression are necessary to turn coal and other porous rock into hardened, gem-quality diamonds, rubies, or emeralds.
The same is true of our Christian walk. We are subjected to the extreme pressures of temptation, trials, and the demands of daily living.
As the jeweler labored over the precious stone, his expertise and love for his trade brought forth a masterpiece. He knew that a stone’s brilliance comes from inside, revealed by the skill and experience of the jeweler.
God labors over us with the skill of the Master, desiring to bring out the best in each of us. He knows exactly how much pressure is required to produce a gem-quality masterpiece. When we have been hardened correctly, He sets to work cutting and polishing our facets so that we might shine, reflecting the light inside.

Prayer

“Help me bear up under the pressure and polishing, Lord. Make me a perfect jewel! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”