January 22

Less Bulk, More Value

Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word (Psalm 119:65, KJV).

Scripture: Psalm 119:65-72

Song: “Molding a Masterpiece”

The following words appeared in the June, 1973 issue of The Prairie Overcomer: “This figure will be sharp millions of years from now. It won’t deteriorate like paintings or get pitted like marble or bronze.” That was the claim of gem sculptor Harry B. Derian, who spent a year researching and eight months carving a ruby figurine of Christ’s head. The five-and-one-half inch carving stands on a 14-carat gold base cast to represent Golgotha, the hill on which Jesus was crucified. In 1973, its worth was estimated at $750,000— think what its value must be today!

Derian’s creation wore out 70 drill bits made of diamonds, the only gem harder than rubies. The original gem weighed 4,060 carats. It’s bulk was reduced by 2,890 carats during the carving process. To make this exquisite work of art, the gem lost 1,170 carats. It gained in value, beauty, and symbolism what it lost in crude weight.

God is the true master artist, who drills us down to size so that our worth to Him can skyrocket. Left to ourselves, we are just crude lumps of unrefined potential. It requires the diamond-like points of truth, which unlike Derian’s tools, retain their cutting power forever. Like the psalmist, we should praise the Lord that He loves us enough to conform us into the glorious image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Heavenly Father, help me to submit to every loss that I might gain eternal value. In Jesus’ name, amen.