Eckhart von Hochheim OP, commonly known as Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher and mystic once remarked: “Above all else, know this: Be prepared at all times for the gifts of God and be ready always for new ones. For God is a thousand times more ready to give than we are to receive.” Romans 12:6 reminds us: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.”
A gift from God is defined by the Longman Dictionary as: “Something good you receive or something good that happens to you, even though you might not deserve it.” It could be described as a windfall, a Godsend, a benefit or a blessing to name but a few. It has been inferred that the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: “Counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, understanding, wisdom, and fear of the Lord.” However, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 states: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another, the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
God’s gift can take many forms, but is often likely to be beneficial to another. It could resemble a brilliant Doctor of Medicine with special God-given talents in specific fields. Perhaps a talented musician whose music inspires others or maybe just a normal individual who is caring in nature and has concerns for others less fortunate. 1 Peter 4:10 states: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:”
The ultimate gift from God will probably be regarded as the Birth, Ministry and Death of Jesus Christ, for without these gifts we would have little hope of ever seeing the Kingdom of Heaven. John 3:16 confirms: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Since ancient times, Jade has been considered as one of the most highly coveted semi-precious stones With its distinctly alluring quality of beauty, it is often associated with luxury and royalty. Jade is a mineral frequently used in jewellery and ornaments of some cultures. It is mined in several countries throughout the world including China, Guatemala and Russia. It is primarily green in colour but also exists naturally in black, lavender, orange, red, white, and yellow.
In the opinion of some, when jade is placed on the stomach, it can cure colic in babies. It is also believed to possess lucky-charm energy and bring prosperity to those who own it, just as a four-leaf clover is similarly identified to bring good fortune. In certain Asian cultures, jade bracelets are often given to newborn babies.
A religious possibility, considered by some, is that jade signifies purity or purification. It is regarded as a stone that protects and supports loving heart energy. It symbolizes gentleness and nourishment and could relate to harmony and balance.
In certain cultures, Jade is considered to facilitate access to spiritual realms. It may provide protection against negative energies and bodies. It can possibly enhance creativity and imagination. However, Proverbs 8:11 states: “For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Jade can be identified as a silicate mineral consisting of nephrite or jadeite and is often used in many forms of art in several areas of Asia. Certain colours are considered more valuable than others. The most expensive colour is defined as Imperial Jade which notably displays a rich emerald green. As one of the most sought after gems in the world, the value can often reach millions of pounds.
The sheer lustre and radiance of the stone, which is adorned by many, attracts much interest in auctions and salerooms, from people with wealth, throughout the globe. The single most expensive item of jade ever sold is reputed to be the Hutton-Mdivani Necklace which was owned by the heiress Barbara Hutton and sold at Sotheby’s for 214,040,000 Hong Kong Dollars.
Jadeite from Burma is considered to be the most expensive jade that can be found. It is described as almost transparent, but contains a vibrant emerald green colour. Jade has been equated to a fine emerald and is often considered more valuable per gram than a diamond.
Sadly, because of the considerable wealth associated with genuine jade, there is much money that can be gleaned by fake attempts to reproduce it and hopefully, sell it as genuine. Tourists are often targeted as the primary victims, as the authenticity of jade is not easily established from a single glance. Substances used in the deception have been identified as man-made jade, marble or quartzite. Proverbs 20:15 reminds us: “There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”
A story is told of a young girl who, accompanied by her mother, went to a church fete which included several stalls selling items that had been donated by local residents. On a particular stall, she noticed a figurine that was priced at £2.50 and fell in love with it. There was an exquisite shade of green that vibrated throughout the item. It gave her a distinct feeling that all negative energy was being extracted from within her and she felt at peace and in harmony with the wider world. She enthusiastically purchased the item with her pocket money and took it home, where she showed it to her father.
He was quite curious as to its origin and true worth and decided to investigate further. He took it to a local, but reputable, antique dealer who examined it closely. He subsequently informed the father that in his opinion, it was genuine Imperial Jade and was probably worth a significant amount of money. He suggested that he should take it to a gemologist who would be able to confirm or refute its authenticity and give an estimation of its true value. What an unexpected acquisition of fortune? Who really knows or understands the true reach that the Lord and His church can procure? 2 Corinthians 9:15 confirms: “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
Amen.
