We need a lot of chipping!

(Frederick Marsh)

"They will be Mine - in the day when I make up My jewels!" Malachi 3:17

"We need a lot of chipping!" So said a saint as we were talking about the Lord's gracious dealings with His people. The saying suggested to my mind - the Lord Jesus as the loving Sculptor at work upon the marble of our fallen humanity. There is an angel in the marble - because the pierced hand of the Sculptor has it in His mind, and brings it out by His skill. But there is a "lot of chipping" to be done before the beautiful image of His holy character stands out, displaying the perfection of His work.

The hard stone of unbelief,
the rough points of self-will,
the prominence of worldly ambition,
the sharp angles of pride,
the ugly faults of temper,
the stubborn marks of bad habits,
and the dark veins of selfishness -
are some of the things He removes!

"Those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son!" Romans 8:29

"God cuts and polishes His jewels in order to make them shine more brightly and beautifully in the crown of His glory in Heaven. All of God's jewels need polishing!" (Richard Newton)

"God has many sharp-cutting instruments and rough files for the polishing of His jewels. Those He especially loves and means to make the most resplendent - He most often uses His tools upon!" (Robert Leighton)