The following tale told during a gospel address, aptly illustrates like a parable, many a soul's anxiety—and God's way to abiding peace.
A wealthy Mandarin in a land infested by robbers lived in constant fear of losing a priceless jewel in his possession. It was well known that he was the owner of it, and he could not sleep for fear that robbers might break into his house.
He first hid the gem beneath the floor, but there it did not seem safe. Next he put it in a recess in the wall, but that did not satisfy him. Various other hiding places gave no assurance of security. Anxiety and care were leaving their traces on him and making him sad of face and heart.
"Why don't you have it stored in the Imperial safe, where many of the Emperor's jewels are kept?" said a friend one day to the anxious Mandarin.
That was a new and happy thought. If the Emperor's jewels were safely guarded night and day, his would be safe there too.
So the jewel was handed over to the care of the king. Whereupon the look of care passed from the Mandarin's brow. Now he was trusting instead of fearing. The invincible guard who kept constant watch over the Emperor's treasures was preserving his precious jewel also.
"And so it is," said the speaker, "with those who trust themselves 'to Christ. They are 'kept by the power of God' (1 Peter 1:55Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5)). No enemy is strong enough to break His power; neither man nor devil can reach them to harm them."
Dear reader, your soul is precious beyond the value of any jewel. Jesus Christ Himself has said, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:3636For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).
Christ has died and shed His precious blood to redeem your soul from eternal loss. Have you believed in His Word and His work for your soul's salvation?