This begins a year-long series on birthstones and how they
remind me of Jesus. Since I’m cross-posting with my geologist friend, Chris
Vonada (www.ChrisVonada.com), I figured the topic of gemstones would be a
terrific match.
But when I sat down to write this very first post, I
realized I’m beginning with the one month of the year whose birth “stone”—the
pearl—isn’t a stone at all.
Still, throughout history, society has considered pearls to
be rare, beautiful and valuable. And
they remind me of Jesus.
The Gospel
In
scripture, pearls are symbols of the priceless Gospel. Matthew 13:45-46 compares the Gospel to pearls of
great value:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking
for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold
everything he had and bought it.”
Jesus’ parable reminds us
that our salvation through Him, is priceless and deepening our faith and
relationship with Him, should be our number one priority.
Pearls also remind me of Jesus because of how they’re made.
Pearls are the oyster’s way of protecting itself from a harsh and painful grain
of sand. It does so by laying down calcium carbonate in concentric rings.
Similarly, Jesus protects us from harsh and painful things
in life—if we but lean on Him. In fact, just like an oyster, God can create
layers of soothing protection from the irritants of life. Those layers become
our ever-deeper faith; a faith that is beautiful, rare and valuable. So
valuable that we should do everything we can to own it; because it results in
our being part of God’s kingdom of heaven.
And we know what the gates of heaven are made of.
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21)
June’s birthstone can’t be found in any underground mine on
earth. Pearls are created by living creatures; much like the foundation of our
faith is based on trust in a living God.
Pearls require no faceting or polishing to reveal their
natural beauty. Just like our faith in Jesus requires nothing but to
believe—and then trust and obey. That’s a beautiful thing.
Happy birthday to everyone born in June.
PRAYER: Thank you, Jesus for showing us your truth in
the parables you spoke so long ago. Thank you for your good news. Please remind
us each day of the Gospel’s incomparable value and help us find new ways to
make it a deeper part of our lives. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? In what way do you see
characteristics of Jesus in a pearl?
Don't forget to follow my friend, Chris at www.ChrisVonada.com
4 comments:
The pearl... rare, valuable, admirable... all things that make me think Jesus too!!
With God in my life I have His promise that He will take my troubles and irritants and use them for my good which gives my life value, meaning, and beauty.
Carol, what a fantastic idea! Have you suggested this for one of the months of the Blog Chain?
@ Nona - thank you. Last year I began each month with the birth flower. This year it's birth stones. I intend to formulate them into 2 ebooks, just for fun.
Hope the move is going smoothly for you and TMOTH!
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