King of Gems

July's birthstone, the Ruby, is like a perfect red rose. The Ruby's rich colour speaks of love and passion. Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, it is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was most worn by royalty was believed to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original colour once danger was past. 
 

Doesn't the bible tell us that the Holy Spirit will show us things to come? Surely he is our great Ruby, able to keep our hearts sensitive to God and enable us to hear when we are in danger and when action is required. 

 

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colours, and is considered a Sapphire in any colour except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

Are we not prized to God among the nations? Has God not said of us, “for you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation?” Are we not set apart from all others and prized as unique? Surely we are!

It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. Did Christ not display his everlasting love for us by sacrificing himself for us? 
 
Let Ruby's passion inspire us to live our love for God and recognize not only His, but our own Great worth!