SOME YEARS ago a young husband and wife decided to leave their home in Europe and move to America. Among the things they took with them was a rough, round, somewhat unusual-looking stone, which the young man’s father gave him while they were busy packing.
“Take this,” said the old man. “I know neither its name nor its worth; but some day it may prove valuable to you in America.”
The young man was amused at the suggestion, and begrudged the extra weight of the stone; but for the sake of his old father, he tossed it thoughtlessly among the baggage. Eventually the mysterious stone arrived in the new home in America; but only to become one of their little boy’s toys.
For months it was thrown and kicked around the floor, till finally it rolled behind a door; out of sight, out of mind.
But one day, when very difficult times had overtaken the family, and the husband was without either money or work, he happened to notice the despised, long forgotten stone. Remembering his father’s words he picked it up and examined it curiously.
Its shape, weight and color now began to fascinate him. What was it that made this stone appear different to a million other stones?
Eventually he took it to a jeweler for identification. Imagine his amazement when the analysis proved it to be a ruby — a gem of rare worth — one of the largest rubies in the world! And yet for years it had been considered worthless — useful only as a toy!
How this story, like a parable, illustrates the manner in which many regard (or disregard) the Lord — God’s Living Stone. They see no beauty in Him — “He is despised and rejected of men,” (Isa. 53: 2,3.)
We can thank God that many have discovered His priceless worth. They have come and claimed Him as their own precious Saviour.
Have you?
“To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious... “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” 1 Peter 2:4,74To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (1 Peter 2:4)
7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (1 Peter 2:7).
ML-12/29/1974