A Few Bible Thoughts For Your Day

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Date: Jan 18 2017 11:40 AM

Hey Everybody,

I hope your week is starting off on a positive note. We had great worship services Sunday. If you missed it, be sure to join us next time. We are ready for an enthusiastic class tonight at 7 as well.

For today, here are a few thoughts.

More Precious Than Rubies

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding, for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies" (Proverbs 3:13, 14a).

Is there anyone who is not attracted by a beautiful ruby, especially when it is mounted in a striking gold or silver setting? Red, the vibrant color of rubies, is the warmest of colors and the chosen favorite of many. It affects emotions, stimulates the palate, and inspires action on the part of the observer. This jewel is formed in highly decomposed, igneous rock, and, depending on its size, a true ruby is more rare and valued more highly than a diamond. In addition to being lovely to look at, a ruby is tough. It has a hardness of nine, second only to a diamond.

Our God knew His humans would love beautiful jewels, gold and silver, and would put great value on them. Rubies, pearls, coral, along with gold and silver, are mentioned in the Bible. They decorated the first tabernacle, were used as gifts, presented to God for atonement for sins, and compared with desirable personality qualities. John, in his description of heaven, cited every precious stone known to man as being a part of the splendor of the eternal home of ones who obey God.

Solomon, the son of David, was God's choice for king of Israel. God promised him anything he asked. With great humility, Solomon asked only for understanding to rule the people well. God was so pleased with his response that He not only gave Solomon great wisdom, but also honor and riches such as the world had never seen. Nevertheless, this king, demonstrating his wisdom, states that the possession of wisdom and knowledge is far more precious than rubies or any jewel man can own.

In his book of Proverbs, Solomon describes the attributes of a virtuous wife. The literal translation of virtuous is "valor and all forms of excellence." Her worth is far above rubies. Considering his tremendous wealth and that he had hundreds of wives and concubines, he was in a position to know!

Within each ruby is an axis, or center line, which acts as a prism when light is introduced. The color and richness of the gem depend upon which way the light strikes the axis, whether transverse or parallel to the axis. Just as a ruby absorbs and reflects light according to the direction from which it comes, consider this same principle working within a Christian. Jesus said of Himself, "I am the light of the world." A person makes the decision as to how much or little his life reflects the light of the Savior. An open heart, letting in a full measure of light and reflecting it back for others to see, can become a beautiful jewel for Christ.

It is unknown whether a ruby is formed molecule by molecule around an axis or created instantly during the intense heat of a volcanic eruption. The name "ruby" actually means "small coal." When the first ruby was discovered, glowing red in the midst of cooled lava, the finder might have thought he'd uncovered a live coal. Sometimes during the formation of a ruby, minute cavities are trapped within. These are like tiny needles piercing the heart of the gem. When light touches these particles the reflection is in the form of a six-pointed star. These stones are more valued because of their flaws.

Again, comparing a Christian with certain rubies, all have imperfections within. The light of Christ can take all our flaws, cleansing them and shining through, making us more wise and understanding because we have known suffering. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:6,7, "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."

God told the Israelites, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people." Surely the people of His church can be just as special.

Have a great week! Come see us sometime, we'd love to have you!

Mitch Robison

Enon Church of Christ

1366 Enon Rd.

Webb, AL 36376

[email protected]

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