PRECIOUS JEWELS F.

Did you know that all who trust in God are more special than all the diamonds in a crown?

On an English mid-summer day we visited the Tower of London, where most valuable gems are housed. The historic Tower belongs to a group of buildings and dungeons which housed prisoners in earlier times. This oldest fortress-prison in Europe is over 800 years old. As well, beneath it lies the remains of a fortress which is a thousand years older. William the Conqueror only felt safe because of this fortress where he hid, and also observed his enemies.

The monk Gundulf was commissioned to build the tower as a fortress, and he combined architecture of the east, as well as grand Norman architecture. But sadly Gundulf lived believing that christians ought not be happy. Often he cried, even when at rest, at work, at prayer, or meals. Perhaps he imagined the tortures that kings and queens, princes and princesses, great and good men may endure in that Tower which he built.

The Watch-Tower, where guards first sighted the enemy, is now the Jewel Tower. ‘Beefeaters’ stand guard wearing their flat, black hats, and tunics decorated with bright, red and gold braid. We joined the queue to pass the guards and enter the Tower, where the Royal and Crown jewels lay in sparkling beauty. The long caterpillar-line of people slowly inched its way into the Jewel Tower.

According to the black sign ‘NO CAMERAS ‘ no-one dared to photograph the priceless royal crowns, tiaras, brooches, rings, pearls, diamonds, bracelets, necklaces, emeralds, decorations of rubies, sapphires, gold and silver, together with ornamental swords belonging to royalty and the nobility of England. As the lights shone on the precious gems, they sparkled and glistened brilliantly.

The amazing array of billions of dollars’ worth of jewels presented on black velvet lay behind safely-locked plate glass doors, with protective barriers. The gems mined from the earth were created by our powerful God, Who designed them for the pleasure of their owners, which we often see, as we watch a queen or princess in a magnificent, glittering spectacle.

Despite this astonishing display, I knew that these gems were as nothing to be compared with our God’s value of those who love Him. Do you understand that you are precious to God? Isaiah wrote this ‘You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord’s hand, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.’ ( Isaiah 62:3 )

God’s children are never inferior or worthless. Be encouraged by the words of Malachi who said of those who love God through the Lord Jesus Christ,

‘They will be mine, says the Lord Almighty, in that day when I make up my jewels, my treasured possession.’ ( Malachi 3:17)

How amazing that we are more precious to God than costly jewels in the Tower. And one day God will gather us up to Himself in His heavenly home, like a crown of jewels more priceless than any earthly crown.

Because of the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for you and your love for Him,

You will be a jewel sparkling in heaven.

For the children. Draw a crown ,surrounded with diamonds, and write your name in each space if you love the Lord Jesus.

Do let Aunty Gwenda know with a letter hgsteward@cobweb.com.au