Divine Worker, March 23

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.”—John 9:4JNN 91.1

God has a purpose in sending trial to His children. He never leads them otherwise than they would choose to be led if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling. He subjects them to discipline to humble them—to lead them, through trial and affliction, to see their weakness and to draw near unto Him. As they cry to Him for help, He responds, saying, “Here am I.”JNN 91.2

Christians are Christ’s jewels. They are to shine brightly for Him, shedding forth the light of His loveliness. Their luster depends on the polishing they receive. They may choose to be polished or to remain unpolished. But every one who is pronounced worthy of a place in the Lord’s temple must submit to the polishing process. Without the polishing that the Lord gives they can reflect no more light than a common pebble.JNN 91.3

Christ says to men and women, “You are Mine. I have bought you. You are now only a rough stone, but if you will place yourself in My hands, I will polish you, and the luster with which you shall shine will bring honor to My name. No person shall pluck you out of My hand. I will make you My peculiar treasure. On My coronation day, you will be a jewel in My crown of rejoicing.”JNN 91.4

The divine Worker spends little time on worthless material. Only the precious jewels does He polish after the similitude of a palace, cutting away all the rough edges. This process is severe and trying; it hurts human pride. Christ cuts deep into the experience that human beings in their self-sufficiency have regarded as complete, and takes away self-uplifting from the character. He cuts away the surplus surface, and putting the stone to the polishing wheel, presses it close, that all roughness may be worn away. Then, holding the jewel up to the light, the Master sees in it a reflection of Himself, and He pronounces it worthy of a place in His casket.JNN 91.5

“In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee ... and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts.” Blessed be the experience, however severe, that gives new value to the stone, and causes it to shine with living brightness.—The Review and Herald, December 19, 1907.JNN 91.6

Further Reflection: Where is Jesus polishing you right now? How do you deal with the hurt that you feel as He removes the rough edges from your life?JNN 91.7