CRADLE → CRUCIBLE → CROWN

Psalm 139: 13-14

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

The Psalmist declares that we were knit together very intricately with much love and tenderness in our mother’s womb. God knew us even before we were formed. He had us on His mind. His intricacies in fashioning us are indescribable. He knew each baby that is going to be born: the child’s character, personality, future etc. Just imagine God knew every human that was ever formed in a mother’s womb. Whether the child was born or not, He still formed them. Such knowledge is too much for our minds to comprehend. God in His infinite wisdom, designed a mother’s womb as a safe protective shell for the baby.

Once the baby is born, we take all necessary precautions and measures to keep the baby safe, healthy, well-fed and comfortable. Our whole world now revolves around the baby in our arms. God has now a few helping hands to rear that baby outside of the womb. With sound intentions we protect our children from the cradle! We cherish them in our arms as long as we could and always keep them within arms’ reach. We teach lessons in such a way they understand the world around them. We give them pointers to figure out right from wrong. Age-appropriate lessons, fear and love of God, and other important life lessons become a necessity for survival in the dark world that they will be assimilating into day by day.

In a chaotic world, as we ourselves are trying to keep abreast about our world, we glance down or sideways to ensure our children aren’t confused or fearful as we are. We clench our fists hoping that they didn’t see the confused look on our faces. In the midst of all these uncertainties, we are trying our best to stay rooted in the Lord while teaching our wee ones to do the same. According to Anne Ortlund, in her book, “Children are wet cement”, she reiterates that in a child’s formative years, while the cement is still wet, as parents we must impress upon their tender hearts the fear of God, the treachery of the devil, and everything in between.

Jesus Christ entered this world as a baby. He was born through a borrowed womb, empowered by the Holy Spirit. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph did their part in bringing Him up. He was well protected and much loved in that household.

Job 23: 10-11

But he knows the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

The babies are now old enough to grasp the lessons taught, even complex ones. They understand right from wrong, and good from evil. Their hearts do comprehend the fear and love of God. The young people are learning some responsibilities, while finding their way in this world. They are not only being exposed to the goodness in the world around them but also the treacheries. They are now in situations where a protective presence of a parent might not be available all the time. They are learning to protect themselves from the evil around them.

As they take their first steps into the crucible of life, they soon realize how things were much better as long as they were in the cradle. Where they felt safe and secure, now they feel frightened and in despair. In some circumstances, confusion prevails, which then leads to anxiety and fear. The crucible of life comes with challenges that seem overwhelming. However, this very crucible, where we are tried, pounded, and heated up, is the place where our true colors shine brightly. The Master Smith is carefully watching us, removing all impurities as He purifies us. He increases the temperature, pounds us to shape, reheats us till He sees perfection – the reflection of His Son in us.

Jesus Christ, went through the crucible for our sake. He who was righteous became unrighteous as He took upon His shoulders all the sins of the world. His crucible experience led him to the final battle – the cross. Dying on the cross meant separation from the Holy Father and going into the pit of hell. He was willing to swallow that bitter pill also for our sake so we will ultimately be reconciled to the Father for all eternity.

1 Peter 5: 4

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

The crucible experience may be difficult but it leads to eternal life. The lessons learned will help us live like Jesus did. Many a times, we question why we endure such pain as we go through life’s trials. For at the end of the time, being in the crucible, when we are taken out of the crucible, when our fashioning is done, and when Christ’s reflection is seen in us, we are ready to receive a crown of glory. Let us then count it all joy as we suffer through the crucible journey. Long or short it may be, but the end result is worth the pain that we endured. 

Job desired to find out why he was in the crucible, only to figure out that he is in the best hands possible. May the time spent in the crucible will bring forth pure malleable gold that will be fashioned into useful instruments by our Savior Goldsmith!