From Deep Inside
May 9
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 qual-
ity 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!”
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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.”
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