Sapphires, Rubies, and Sparkling Stones (A Few of My Favorite Things)
Isaiah 54:11-12
“Poor Jerusalem, storm-tossed, and not comforted, I will set your stones in black mortar, and lay your foundations in sapphires. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling stones.”
The jewelry fanatic in me is drawn to this Scripture because I can instantly see the beauty in what God is creating as He describes His restoration plan for Jerusalem, which can also be applied to us personally. Here Jerusalem receives no comfort as she weathers the severe storms of life that have attempted to destroy her. God, however, comes to her aid and promises to rebuild her with precious stones that reflect His divine truth.
Sapphires and rubies are precious stones that were formed from intense heat and pressure. Most geologists agree that sapphires and rubies were probably created from the conditions deep within the earth during the great flood. If so, they are incredibly beautiful gemstones that derived from God’s judgment upon the earth and remind us of God’s righteousness and His mercy. He takes the very pain that we endure and creates something incredibly beautiful and valuable from the trials – even the trials of judgment – that we encounter.
Notice that these precious stones were applied to the foundations (sapphires), to the battlements (rubies), and to the gates (sparkling stones). Every city needs a strong foundation, or it will crumble. The battlements were found in high towers as spaces from which to shoot the enemy or any approaching threat. The gates were used as meeting places to determine law, hold court, and conduct business. They represent what we allow in and out of our lives.
God’s promise of restoration to Jerusalem in this passage is a promise to us all. When we go through extremely difficult times and cannot be comforted, God rebuilds us and adorns us with beautiful gems that allow His truth to shine through us. His purpose in the pain is to create something of great value that will enable us shine for Him.
The following verse gives even more hope. “Then all your children will be taught by the LORD, their prosperity will be great.” When God rebuilds us, our children – and grandchildren – learn from it, too. Submit to His rebuilding process for you, and watch your family thrive, as well.
Have a blessed day!