Patterns of Eternity

Marble is a beautiful rock; the world’s best churches and palaces are by it clad. Not only is it eminently fit for sculpting and carving, it is often ingrained with beautiful swirls and lines. These were not in the original carbonate rock it once was; clays and other minerals, what we might describe as impurities, cause the gorgeous patterns and markings. Geologists talk about the results of hot water going through the rock’s layers, dissolving some minerals and helping to form others. Onyx, a little softer than marble, has even more pronounced forms and grains. For its beauty it may have been included in the High Priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:20).

These building and ornamental materials are not disfigured by their impurities, but rather enhanced. In heaven, the trials and pressures of earth, though hot and painful below, will only enhance our resurrection beauty. The difficulties through which we’ve come, the fires through which we’ve passed, the floods from which we’ve been delivered, all contribute to making rich veins of grace and beautiful patterns of glory in our post-mortal existence. Isaiah 43 says:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour;

I gave Egypt for your ransom,

Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Since you were precious in My sight,

You have been honored,

And I have loved you.

Today’s trials are but tomorrow’s beauty. Earth’s scars are but the swirling veins and complex patterns of heavenly splendour.