When God created the earth, it was a beautiful sight.  He not only created the trees and the flowers but also jewels and precious stones—gold and silver.  All these shined brightly for all to see and enjoy.

But these jewels were soon to be hidden deep underground. “By the same means the silver and gold, the choice wood and precious stones, which had enriched and adorned the world before the flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized, were concealed from the sight and search of men, the violent action of the waters piling earth and rocks upon these treasures, and in some cases even forming mountains above them.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 108

Isn’t this true? Nowadays, people must dig deep underground to find jewels, and precious stones of gold and silver. These treasures are hidden from us, but yet we search and search to obtain a tiny diamond or a small piece of gold, even at the risk of death in a mine.

About a month ago the young people visited the Royal Ontario Museum; they visited a gallery called “Earth’s Treasures”. There they saw precious stones such as diamonds, garnet, opal, jade and many more.  They also saw gold and silver. All these were encased to keep them safe because they are most valuable.

In the Bible, we find many stories of jewels and gold.  In Biblical times, gold, silver and jewels were also greatly desired and sought after.  When the Israelites left Egypt they were to take their spoils.  Nothing was kept from them.  The Egyptians gave up their jewels and gold. “And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:  And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment.  And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.” Exodus 12:35–36

So the Israelites left Egypt with great treasure. A treasure that was freely given to them and that later on, they would freely give as well. “And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense, And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.” Exodus 35:4–9

God has entrusted us with means. It is His, not ours, to do with as we wish; but it is His and He can ask for it back. In the book, “All we possess is the Lord’s and we are accountable for the use we make of it.” Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 152. And now the Israelites were to be tested. Would they part with their jewels, their gold and silver? Could they return to God that which was His? And yet God does not force but asks, “Whosoever is of a willing heart let him bring.”

“And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD. And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers’ skins, brought them. Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD’s offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it. And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate,” Exodus 35:22–24, 27. Sister White says that old and young men, women, even children bought their offerings to Moses. This giving spirit is worthy to be imitated; the people gave so much that Moses had to stop them. “And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” Exodus 36:6–7. The Israelites freely gave these jewels—gold, silver and precious stones for the House of God. They laid up their treasure in heaven instead of on this earth.

Jewels and gold are of great value for people in this world; they show off their diamonds and jewelery. There is even a saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” People go to great lengths to obtain some sort of jewel. Some may even rather go hungry in order to obtain gold. Years ago, I had a manager whose aunt died and he was to go with his sister and mother to Hong Kong to collect what his aunt had left to him for an inheritance. He told of how his aunt was a very rich woman. He now owns a condo in the city worth millions of dollars, and his sister has several small jewel bags of diamonds and other stones. I remember him saying that his aunt was a very simple woman. No fancy clothes, no fancy cars, she kept every shopping bag to reuse later, she even kept envelopes and gift bags to reuse and yet she had a treasure stored. But when she passed away, this treasure she had, she left behind, never to see again. Many idolize these jewels and forget about God. Their whole lives are spent in search of earthly treasures and they forget God.

“The treasures that should have led them to glorify the Bountiful Giver had been worshiped, while God had been dishonored and despised.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 108

As Christians, we do not strive to own jewels or gold, but we have a great treasure to seek after. “The Bible is a field where there are heavenly treasures and they will remain hidden until, by diligent mining, they are discovered and brought to the light. The Bible is a casket containing jewels of inestimable value, which should be so presented as to be seen in their intrinsic luster. But the beauty and excellence of these diamonds of truth are not discerned by the natural eye. The lovely things of the material world are not seen until the sun dispelling the darkness floods them with its light. And so with the treasures of God’s word; they are not appreciated until they are revealed by the Sun of righteousness.” –Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, p. 421. AMEN.

Sesciah Newby

Toronto