From Rough Stone to Precious Jewel
Over the past few days, I have been marveling at the incredible scope of God’s patient, loving mercy and grace. It really astounds me when I think that Jesus gave up His life to redeem people who were His enemies. Redeeming them was grace beyond measure, but He goes beyond that and, by the Word and Spirit, transforms us to be more like Him every day.
The garnets on the left are rough stones as dug out of the ground. The ones on the right have been carefully faceted to reveal the inner jewel that resided in the rough stone.
That’s what Christ does. He digs us out of the dirt and mire of our sin-filled lives and rebellion, while we are still His enemies and loves us.
For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 ESV
That would be unimaginable grace if He stopped there. It’s far more than any of us deserve. But He extends it further. The Lord sends the Spirit to dwell in the new believer.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
The Lord conforms us into the image of Jesus.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 ESV
Sometimes the Lord cuts off huge pieces of waste material. He often does that through suffering and trials. Then He carefully considers all the facets and angles and shapes us. Lastly, He polishes each facet into a thing of beauty.
We were made to be precious stones for the King of Kings and bring Him glory. Each one of us is unique; no two will be alike. We are all given differing genetics, personalities, circumstances, gifts and talents. Each of us is a separate piece of rough being worked in the Master’s hands.
It’s an ongoing process that He promises to complete in us.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
The process isn’t always easy, but hold fast. The finished product that will be our glorified life will be beautiful beyond anything we can imagine.
Be blessed, my friends,
Kevin
SUMMARY
I’ve been marveling at how far God’s grace goes: it saves us while we’re still His enemies, and then patiently transforms us facet by facet into the image of Christ. Like rough garnets cut and polished into jewels, each of us is being shaped into something beautiful for the King.
TAKEAWAY
Christ’s grace redeemed us while we were still His enemies, dying for the ungodly rather than the righteous (Romans 5:7-8).
The Spirit now dwells within believers, making our bodies a temple bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Like rough garnets faceted into jewels, God patiently cuts, shapes, and polishes each of us into the unique image of His Son (Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:10).
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