“The LORD is nigh [close] unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite [crushed] spirit.” Psalm 34:18
One of the world’s most priceless porcelain vases is from the 14th century. China’s Blue and White Porcelain burning processes reached their peak during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The vase, which had a white backdrop and a diameter of 34 cm and had been sold in 1993 for $1.2 million, was designed in the Yuan style. The only kind of porcelain vase from that era that is still in existence is this one.
I can't imagine owning something that was created in the fourteenth century. I likewise find it difficult to imagine spending more than $1 million on any single object, let alone a vase. A vase is a vase to me. I’m content as long as it can carry flowers and water. A vase, however, is not a vase to a collector. An item this rare is worth the price. And even though I completely respect the vase's rarity and history, I would not be willing to pay the price to possess and keep it. Its likelihood of breaking is too great.
According to Psalm 34:18, God is near to the brokenhearted, and He delivers those who have been crushed in spirit. He will pay any price, no matter how expensive, to save His children from the wrath of sin, and that is precisely why He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to this world. It’s fascinating to note that the majority of ancient porcelain possesses a maker’s mark. It is a distinctive signature or symbol that verifies the object’s place of origin.
We all have the Maker’s Mark on us. Each piece of our brokenness that He takes up, redeems, and recreates shows the handiwork of His grace in our lives. God is constantly at work molding us into a masterpiece of His glory, whether the brokenness is caused by the circumstances around us or the self-inflicted brokenness of our sin.
Have you ever been hurt? Have you been defeated in spirit? The Bible contains a guarantee from God that He is nearer than you would think. Cry out to the One who longs to spiritually heal and restore you. Make the decision to trust that He is who He claims to be and that His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Prayer: Father, I’m grateful for Your mercy in my life. Even when my circumstances don’t make sense to me, please help me to trust You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
