During our visit to China, on November 10th, 2011, we were fortunate to stop by a Jade Factory, and were amazed by the sculptures and jewelery that were made from Jade. These items were in various shapes ranging from animal forms, vegetables (cabbages mainly), household items and jewelery. They were also of various colors and not just the usual light green, but ranged from different shades of green to white, purple and even black. When going through the tour, behind a glass wall, we observed a man, working on a piece of Jade.  He was shaping that piece into a sculpture. When I pondered about this experience, at a later time, it brought to mind a couple of significant facts from the  Bible.

First, each sculpture had to be made. From the formless structure to the ornate masterpiece, each one had to be carefully and meticulously planned and sculpted. It did not just appear out of thin air with a big bang and somehow found its place in the factory. There was intelligent design behind each item because there was an intelligent creator behind each item. In like manner, each one of us are fearfully and wonderful sculpted by God’s own hands (Psalm 139:14) and even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, God knew us (Jeremiah 1:5) and made us in his very image (Genesis 1:27). He created us. The Intelligent Designer of our being is Jesus Christ, for by him and for him, all things were created (Colossians 1:16).

Second, not all the items in the factory were openly accessible to the public. Some were displayed within glass shelves, kind of set apart. These items were deemed pristine and had a higher price tag. In like manner, we must be set apart by not conforming to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). In other words, we must be sanctified (set apart) by and for Jesus Christ. The important thing is that God’s hands have sculpted us to conform to God’s patterns (Romans 12:2), and that we are sanctified (set apart) by the blood of God’s Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Points to ponder:
You and I are God’s masterpiece creation, fashioned according to God’s own design, each to a purpose that He has for us. He has sculpted us; now will you let him sanctify you (if you have not already let Him to)?

Psalm 139:13-18 (KJV)
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

2 Timothy 2:19-21 (KJV)
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.