By Dr. Dan Coflin, co-pastor, River of Life Church
I have never met anyone who does not like diamonds. Why? Because they get your attention. Their brilliant sparkle reflects light that catches the eye of the beholder. Diamonds are valuable. The amazing glitter of an engagement ring brings delight that can be heard in the squeals of the young ladies; while the cluster of large stones on the hand of the more mature solicits the curiosity of others as to the size of the bank account they must represent.
In the Bible, diamonds and precious stones represent people. On the breastplate of the high priest were four rows of valuable stones, each etched with the names of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28). In the Book of Revelation, the “Bride of Christ” is a city with twelve gates and twelve foundations each bearing the names of the tribes of Israel and apostles of Christ (Rev. 21). The walls of this spiritual city are built with “precious stones”, and we don’t have to guess what they are because Peter tells us that we are “living stones built up as a spiritual house.” This heavenly city has been endowed with most valuable stones all set in the purest gold.
Do you know that this is how God sees you? You are precious and your value far exceeds the most expensive treasures you can image. Many might say, “I just cannot understand why God would see me as something to be treasured.”
Let me remind you that a diamond’s value is found in the price someone is willing to pay for it. God paid the highest price there ever could be. The blood of His Son Jesus was required to purchase us for Himself. You may still be a “diamond in the rough”, yet uncut or polished, but God sees you as a most valuable treasure.
God wants to help you shake off the mud and dirt that obscures your ability to shine with a brilliance that reflects His glory. You see, this city God is building has no light of its own, for it is the glory of God that is the light (Rev. 21:23). The more like Jesus we become, the more glory we reflect.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:18 NET, “And we all, with unveiled faces reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, which is from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
God wants us to shine bright like a diamond so others will be attracted to Him. After all He is the Master Jeweler and the good work He has begun in us He will continue to perform until we reflect the pure light of His glory and get everyone’s attention.
Dr. Dan Coflin and his wife Dianne co-pastor River of Life Church at 410 E. Chapman Rd. in Lutz, FL. 33549, (813) 949-9931, www.roltampa.org
We would love to invite you to visit River of Life Church. Our lively worship begins at 10:30am on Sunday. We are a non-denominational, spirit-filled ministry.