Beauty for Ashes and the Power of God–Part 2

 

Part II—The Power of God

The second of this two-part entry relates to how gemstones are formed, revealing the power of God to transform any situation of hopelessness or despair into a glorious triumph, giving “beauty for ashes.”

Gemstones are found underground all over the world. Hundreds of different gems are often polished and made into jewelry or collected as loose gems. I often think of the children’s ministry song which talks about the Body of Christ, as “chosen gems”:

We are all members of the Body of Christ,

We are all members of the Body of Christ,

Sons of God by birthright.

We are chosen gems, polished by God and His Word.

We are beautiful in God’s sight.

 

Because they are mineral products, gemstones are mined in a wide range of locations across the earth. Africa is one particular location that is abundant in deposits of precious metals and gemstones. In “Stone upon Stone: A Psalm of Remembrance,” the title poem from a collection of original poetry, I return to the place where I had a divine encounter with God in a life-transforming manner, and using twelve memorial stones, I erect an altar where I offer a sacrifice to the Lord. One of the stanzas makes reference to Africa:

Gathered from quarries of African origins,

gemstones for my parents and unknown ancestors,

all those who “. . .sang a race from wood and stone to Christ.”

This series of videos produced by Marc Sarosi shows how gemstones are mined in various parts of Africa.

Gemstone mining in Africa 

Another related poem refers to the passage from I Corinthians 3 which speaks of  the works of a believer’s life being tried by fire, and that individual will be rewarded according to that which survives the fiery process whereby precious metals and gemstones are tried and proven by God. I personalize the process and once again offer myself upon the altar as a living sacrifice.

 

 Gold, Silver and Precious Stones

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold,

silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

each one’s work will become clear;

for the Day will declare it,

because it will be revealed by fire;

and the fire will test each one’s work,

of what sort it is.

I Corinthians 3:12-13

 

The Lord is building His house and seeking to find

The most costly materials, sparing no expense

To complete the glorious temple that He designed.

His precious thoughts toward me rise as fragrant incense,

As I offer sanctified resources of great worth,

Customized to display the glory of excellence:

Gold, silver, purified in a furnace of earth,

And precious stones that complete this workmanship

Of the living God, dwelling place of awesome beauty.

Not made with man’s hands, this house of worship

Is constructed with all that I am, given freely.

To the all-wise master builder, the one who owns,

I offer myself: gold, silver and precious stones.

 

And so I conclude my discussion of “Beauty for Ashes and the Power of God,” which brought to mind an array of precious metals and gemstones that represent the life I have endeavored to live.

Tags: 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, African Gemstones, Chosen Gems, encounter with god, Gold, loose gems, Precious Stones, Silver