 | |
|
Grace
Gem A Bible
Study from
Grace for the
Raging Storm Phyllis Vavold
(Isaiah 54:11-12)
The glamorous
masterwork of Peter Faberge captures a glimpse into the world of the rich
and famous. In the early 1900's his exquisite creations catered to the
Russian and English royalty. The Faberge egg is only a sample of his
artistic luxury designs using the most indigenous gemstones
available. While visiting a
Faberge museum I was captivated by the brilliant splendor and intricate
detail of his masterpieces. Pearls with diamond centers became
forget-me-nots. Gold weaved into an ornate basket. Jade leaves held onto
the silver gilded stem of the stunning floral display. The water was
formed from rock-crystal. The Gilded Age of emeralds, rubies, and
sapphires brought exquisite perfume bottles, vases, and Easter eggs. The unimaginable
beauty of these precious gems came from the darkness of the earth
(sapphire), the smoldering heat of a volcanic eruption (diamond), or the
tormenting wound of an oyster (pearl). Many precious gems surface after
centuries of being entrapped in glaciers. Wind and water beatings produce
the incredible promise of beauty. Through the years of manufacturing these
gems the artists know that heat improves the gemstone's color and clarity.
All precious gems undergo the turmoil process of developing their
brilliance. Isaiah paints the picture of stone and mortar destroyed by a violent storm. Humanity is tormented by the aches, pains, and trauma of life. Bad things do happen to good people. Tragedy, loss, and heartache monopolize the headlines. We live in an unstable world of grief and disappointments. Darkness, pressure, and lashing describe many a soul. Thankfully the trauma of the afflicted one does not remain victimized. God promises restoration. "I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires; I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and your walls of precious stones. A miracle has its birth in suffering.
|
