Marie was the only child of a wealthy business man. He loved her very dearly and delighted in giving his young daughter gifts upon every occasion. Especially did he do this on his return from trips abroad and Marie could show her young friends many curious and beautiful presents brought from faraway lands.
On one occasion Marie’s father was called to a distant city on business. Before leaving he told her that if he were successful in his dealings she might expect a very special gift.
Having prospered greatly in his venture he came home with the promised present. It was daintily wrapped and when Marie undid the ribbons and papers there lay a golden jewel box. On lifting the lid she found that there were many smaller boxes inside and in each one lay a glittering diamond! She lifted each gem out carefully, and exclaiming with pleasure and excitement as she did so, for each jewel seemed more beautiful than the one before. In all there were enough to make a diamond necklace. Wonderingly, she replaced each gem and, as she closed the lid upon the last one, her eye was caught by the box itself. It was more beautiful than all the jewels it contained. The lid and sides were studded with many precious stones and the carving of the gold was exquisite.
“Why, Daddy,” said the girl, “the box is lovelier than all the diamonds! What can I ever say to thank you for such a gift!”
It was indeed a costly gift and we trust the daughter realized something of the love her father had for her in giving her such a treasure.
This story makes one think of what God the Father has done for those who know His blessed Son as their Saviour. He has given us every blessing His love could devise but all these gifts are “in Christ” His beloved Son, who is “the chiefest among ten thousand... yea, He is altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 1610My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. (Song of Solomon 5:10)
16His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Solomon 5:16). Yes, the Lord Jesus is the “Jewel Box” who is more lovely than all the blessings He brings.
To the poor woman in Luke 7, “which was a sinner,” He was the “altogether lovely” One for she saw in Him the Saviour of sinners. And the dying thief, as he gazed upon that blessed Man on the center cross, spoke of Him as the One who had “done nothing amiss”; he saw in Him the suffering Saviour, the One who would come one day in the glory of His kingdom, and he wanted to be with Him. Dear reader, do you know this “altogether lovely” One?
You may find some of the jewels He brings in the first chapters of the epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians.
ML 02/08/1959