Emphasis Preaching Journal

Some years ago a retired member of the congregation began the hobby of gem-cutting and stone-polishing. His family had grown and his spouse had died and he felt restless with the many empty hours upon him. But as he became more adept at his work, he made many new friends at the rock and gem shows which he attended. With the help of silver and other metals he mounted many stones in all sorts of unique settings.

He would often tell his friends that he had a special project on which he was working. "It will take an eternity to complete," he would chuckle.

One day the pastor of his church was informed that this member had died. He had left a special request. His project was to be placed in the narthex of the church for all to see.

On the day of the memorial service everyone marvelled at his re-creation of the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation. Layer by layer, the old man had set semi-precious stones in place to give the viewers a glimpse of God's new creation! Like Moses and the elders, he, too, in a life of faithfulness, was permitted to see God. "... and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone like the very heaven for clearness."
-- Hedahl