Made to be an offering
Updated: Jan 26, 2022
A Biblical reflection on the theme of Gold.
Exodus 35:22 - So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. - ESV
Upon a bedside table are three sets of earrings hanging from hooks on a small fixture, so that some are higher than the others. At the top is a pair of radiant 20-carat gold brooch pins, and beneath are one set of silver studs and some copper hoops. The hour is late, and gentle moonlight is ghosting through the frosty window pane in late January. The beholder of the jewelry is occupied downstairs, leaving the metals alone to converse…
“Oh, you do look ever so splendid,” said the silver studs.
“I concur,” said Copper, “your radiant glow pervades all across the bedside table, and when you depart, there is no luster left available.”
Gold remained silent for a moment, but soon responded somewhat morosely, “you are most flattering, Silver and Copper, but I regret that your praise may be amiss, for I am but a lonely metal, in an empty abyss.”
“Lonely? Ridiculous - you are most idolized by the populace,” said Silver.
“Yes,” (Copper interjected, eager to shower Gold with more praise), “to neither of us do they place their trust in times of inflation; nor with us do they commemorate memorable occasions.”
“Was it not you that caused the gold rush, and had thousands pursuing after you - one so elegant and lush?” said Silver.
The Gold earrings glinted lonely-like in the luminous moonlight.
“Alas, the truth is that I am oft-used, for purposes that I do not pursue. It is most commonly an idol that I am morphed into; an idol of the heart, an idol of wealth, and an idol of security too.”
“Well, whatever more do you wish for?” said Silver.
“Is it but once that I was blessed to be, at the feet of the King, whom I was brought to see.”
The others listened silently.
“Oh, and lest I forget; I was once used for majesty, to craft the very best – a Tabernacle, an Ark of Covenant, items dedicated to the Holy One for whom I was created…” Gold paused and glinted,
“to whom I am an offering, and to whom I am behest.”