CAROL'S GEMS: RUBIES FOR JESUS

Every month has a birthstone. The birthstone for July is the ruby. And it reminds me of Jesus. 

The Blood of Christ 

In gemstone symbolism, the ruby’s dark red color represents Jesus’ blood sacrifice for us. That sacrifice is everlasting—one sacrifice for all people for all time.  

The ruby is a variety of the gem family corundum; a lasting gemstone, durable enough to wear every day. 

Just like the ruby, Jesus’ salvation is durable enough for us to “put on” and wear every day—as the helmet of salvation in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) .

The Person of God 

John’s vision of Heaven reveals the appearance of God:    

And the one who sat there [on the throne] had the appearance of jasper and ruby. (Revelation 4:3) 

Interestingly, both the jasper and ruby are typically red in color. Also interestingly, jasper is partially stone and partly organic—just like God in the person of Jesus, is both wholly God and wholly organic man. But that tidbit is for another discussion… 

Of relevance here is that God describes His own appearance as similar to July’s birthstone. 

Wisdom 

Scripture compares wisdom to rubies.  

…for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 8:11)

…the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. (Job 28:18) 

God wants us to be wise. And He recognizes that wisdom is precious. So then, we too, should strive to achieve wisdom in all things. The best wisdom comes from God—as we seek His desires through scripture, meditation and prayer. 

In fact, that helmet of salvation protects our thinking and thus grants wisdom. I wouldn’t be surprised if our heavenly helmets are studded with rubies…

For Women 

For the gals in the crowd, Proverbs 31:10 is a great reminder:  

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 

Coincidently, this verse follows Proverbs 19:13, 21:9, 21:19, 25:24, 27:7 and 27:15, likening a quarrelsome wife to a leaky roof, living in the desert and dripping water.  

Ouch. 

Speaking from the female perspective, a husband of noble character is worth far more than rubies, too.  

In fact, shouldn’t we all strive to live like rubies for Jesus? 

Happy birthday to everyone born in the month of July.

PRAYER: Jesus, so many things in this world remind us of you. This month, every time we think “July,” remind us of the ruby and how it symbolizes you. In all ways, help us to live like rubies for you. Amen. 

WHAT ABOUT YOU? In what way do you seek to be a ruby for Jesus?

It's my pleasure to cross-post on my friend Chris Vonada's blogsite: ChrisVonada.com. Join him there often!