We are painting our front hall and walls next to our stairway a color called Oyster Bay. We saw this color at the house of a pastor friend of mine in NC. This is a neat color and I sent a message to him about the different deep theological truths I have thought about using this paint. This is what happens to a former preacher who doesn’t have a regular message to give each week. I am getting a good laugh at myself and also driving my family a little crazy at the same time. Anyway, here are a few quick thoughts about pearls which are the precious stones that come from oysters.
The phrase “lively stones” which is used in 1 Peter 2:5 is another way of describing pearls. Pearls are the only precious gems which are formed in the natural process of a living organism, the oyster. “Lively stones” also describes each member of the body of Christ who is being fitted into a living temple of God. Look at the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 and how each of the 12 gates is a pearl.
Look at the Gospel message in the formation of a pearl. A pearl is formed when a piece of dirt (us) wounds the host (Christ) and the host then begins building the white pearly substance around the dirt (Christ’s righteousness). A piece of dirt is transformed into something of great value and beauty by the work of the host that was wounded. The oyster is one of the many animals of God’s creation that points to the glorious work of Christ in redemption.
I am getting some great mileage from this paint. My son asked the question, “When will the painting be finished?” My answer, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons and Only your Father in heaven knows the answer to that question.”
Classic! I hope the foyer looks great.