Daily Devotional for June 17, 2021
Precious Stones (Part 2)
Zoe enjoyed learning about the various precious stones in her aunt’s jewelry store. “I didn’t know gems and jewels could be so interesting,” Zoe said one evening.
“I always enjoy learning about them myself,” said Aunt Kim. She pulled a book from a shelf. “Here’s something you might like to read. It talks about different gems and how they’ve been used throughout history.”
History didn’t sound especially interesting to Zoe, so she didn’t ask any more about it. Aunt Kim continued anyway. “This chapter tells how harder stones were used for making inscriptions because they would not chip or break easily. That made them very valuable. But then something terrible happened.”
Zoe, who had been listening half-heartedly, sat up straight. “What happened?”
“Because precious stones were so beautiful and valuable, people began to worship them,” said Aunt Kim.
“They used them as idols?” asked Zoe. Aunt Kim nodded. “I know God tells us not to worship idols or anything else,” Zoe said. “We’re only supposed to worship Him.”
“That’s right,” said Aunt Kim. “But even Christians can put too much value on things and put them ahead of God, and that’s a form of idolatry. I must admit I sometimes get priorities mixed up myself. Things—like the gems I work with—become too important to me.”
“But gems aren’t evil,” said Zoe.
“No, but compared to Jesus, they’re worthless. He’s the one who saved us and promises to take care of all our needs.” Aunt Kim smiled at Zoe. “Do you remember how the Bible describes the heavenly city where we’ll live with Jesus someday?”
Zoe nodded. “It says the streets will be made of gold, and the city gates will be made of pearl.”
“That’s right,” said Aunt Kim. “And it says many different precious stones will make up the foundation of the city walls—stones like jasper, sapphire, and amethyst. There, gemstones and jewels won’t be anything people would ever think to worship. They’ll be used for commonplace things like streets and walls—nothing but beautiful bricks. That’s because all sin will be gone and we’ll have the glory of God all around us. We won’t ever want to worship anything but Him.”
-Ruth I. Jay
How about you?
Do you ever value things—or even people—in your life more than you do God? It’s unlikely you would ever make an idol and actually bow down to it in worship. But if you look to friends, money, clothes, or other things for your worth and identity instead of Jesus, those things become idols. Nothing compares to the salvation and eternal life you have in Jesus. Worship Him alone.
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