Syd was standing behind the counter in his jewellery store, examining the grading of some diamonds. He took the shop over from his late dad and he became a master in his trade. He could grade a gem instantly and evaluate it precisely according to the latest standards.
A young man entered the shop and approached him, but Syd was pre-occupied with his diamonds. Realising Syd was pre-occupied, he put his hands on the counter, “Sir, I’m sorry to bother you, but I need some advice.”
Syd reluctantly lifted his head and looked into the beautiful eyes of the young man in front of him. “Sorry, I get carried away sometimes. How my I assist you?”
As the young man explained what he needed to know, Syd noticed a wearied expression on his face. He assisted him as best he could, and the young man left. Syd resumed his task but he could not get him out of his mind.
“Syd!” Jesus said.
“Yes, Lord.”
“You are an expert on evaluating gems. As you know, jewels are not found in the way you see them here in front of you. They’ve undergone some cutting, bruting and polishing by the time you receive them.”
“People are also jewels, Syd, human gems also get cut, bruted and polished in life to appear the way they are looking now. Many did not turn out that well, you know. However, everyone is still precious in My eyes.”
“Interestingly, Syd, contrary to popular belief, I am not the One who cuts and brutes and polishes. Their circumstances and other human beings are responsible for that. I am only the Saviour. The moment someone surrenders into My hands, I remove every stain in an instant.”
“I’m telling you this because the young man who had just left, needs more than a jeweller, he needs Me. He’ll be coming back soon and when he does, stop looking at your jewels, look at Mine and talk to him.”
“Remember, Syd, you are a precious jewel to Me but you are also the apple of My eye. I do not just look at you…, I’m looking through and with you. Upon whom you cast your eye, I am able to touch on the inside with words I lay in your mouth.”
“You have My light in you and that light shines through your eye, the lamp of your body (Luke 11:34). I need you to shine your light on the people who appear to be suffering in the dark.”
“Thank You, Jesus! Help me to shine on Your precious jewels to reveal their beauty.”
“Ah, now you’ve got it, Syd. I love you!”