THE WHITE STONE

Can we learn to guard our hearts in times of trouble? How does this relate to a white stone. Isaac wonders this.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

THE WHITE STONE

In a beautiful land of paradoxes, in the Kingdom of Heart, there lay a mysterious collection of stones that seemed to mirror the very essence of the land. A secret mine that held stones of every color. Legend reported that a stone would be presented to each member of society, though it had been many years since a person had ever seen any such stone. The prize stone of all was reported to be the white stone.

At a young age a lad named Isaac heard the story and longed to set out on a search for the white which was the one most desirable. Some believed it to be a symbol of purity, while others thought it to be a vessel of divine revelation.  Others said it was ridiculous and just a story.

The riddle encompassed its very nature, one that puzzled and intrigued the hearts of all who sought its wisdom. Trust in the lord, with all your heart…

You see, it was told them that a new name would be inscribed upon it, known only to the one who received it. Many yearned to possess  the white stone believing it to be a token of favor from the divine. The riddle, “He who has an ear, let him hear…To him who overcomes I will give some of the Sons bread to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

This tale was passed down through generations, spoke of its unexplainable influence to transform those who were deemed worthy, those whose allegiance to the King of Kings remained steadfast and true. At the same time another riddle was also presented.

“Above all else, guard your heart.”

“But how, do you guard your heart? How can I hear and what is it that I shall overcome?

Isaac was hopeful but stumped.

Other whispers too came into the land. They were whispers of woe and of gloom. They were also murmers of hard times coming, of lack and dismay.  Isaac’s head spun. Did he just give up in despair as so many of his neighbors and peers were doing?

Or would he choose to believe that the Kings ancient story was true, even though he didn’t yet understand it.?  Was it just a fable from a tottering fool with no such reward?

Isaac was resolute to find out the truth.

So as whispers of the White Stone echoed throughout the kingdom, an additional message came through by men of old that were often  considered to be extreme. It was igniting a few more a fervent desire in their hearts. When the riddles had first been presented many started out strong in their quest, but when life became difficult their hearts began to turn to stone and they turned back disillusioned. Their lives began to reflect qualities of bitterness, drama and strife and soon overshadowed their true nature.

So was the white stone a gem of unparalleled brilliance, a representation of purity, or simply a metaphor for a profound spiritual journey that they yearned for, but could never really achieve?

Isaac examined his heart. He was so confused.

That is until one dreamy night he met the Kings son. His simple words said the message. “Hear my Father, the King. Hear Him well and follow. His words are true. Do not doubt. Turn to me in times of trouble. He will always hear your heart.”

Still, the riddles persisted, challenging all who dared to contemplate its depths. Sadly they often became more of a limerick than true sayings of promise by a loving King.

The King stayed silent in all of this.

He just encouraged his people to not let the worries of life ensnare them.

“Remain true to my word. I want your hearts. He would say.

“This is all just folly, such a stone only exists in the imagination. It is just a metaphor young lad. It’s just a foolish old king trying to control His subjects. You can find more satisfaction from my journey towards true wealth.”  The Lizard of Loath revealed to him on the path one day. Others heard him say this and more hearts turned their hearts away from the King because of these words.

But then he met another wise old sage.

“I am Isaiah. Old words were once said. ‘My people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways then and only then will they hear from heaven, and I will heal their hearts.’ Take heart young lad and so listen.” Isaac was greatly encouraged to continue his journey.

But still, very few of the citizens truly abided closely with the King of Kings. Few understood the significance and power of the Kings word.

One day several treacherous sea serpents slithered their way from the nearby sea of swamps. They blocked all entries into the kingdom. Their volatile words of gloom and mockery echoed through the hills. One could not bear to hear the moans. Day after day they intensified, so much so that people could barely function in just their normal living. The dark words would creep into their hearts and despair their souls.  It was an intense time of great unrest.

But not so with those few like Isaac who had turned their hearts to the King. They were not dissuaded by the slimy words and moans of the serpents.

Isaac realized what his quest entailed. He continued with zeal to earnestly tell people to search with all their hearts and turn and guard their hearts from the serpents wicked echoes.

Even though he felt it was foolish to still desire the white stone, Isaac continued on with his mission. He didn’t lose heart and remained focused in doing well. For yet still in his heart the stone held a mysterious and instinctive drawing.

“Just give up and listen to me. Our master cares more for you than that doddering kooky King of yours.”

The serpents boasted.

“He just baits you with stories with a false hope. Just see what he will take from you. He will take your life. He wants your hearts. He said this himself, did He not?  He will take them from you. Does that sound someone who will protect you?”

Isaac shook his head. Would people really fall for that? Insulting the King and twisting his words? But sadly he saw many more fall away. They thought they were being fooled. It was as if he could see their hearts darken.

He decided to address the serpent. “You cannot talk about my King that way, you are a liar and you must leave this path at once.”

The serpents breathed fire with much flurry and Isaac was singed. It hurt him very much. They were incensed at this young punks brazen words.

By whose authority do you speak to us in such a way?”

Isaac lost his breath. His body screamed in pain. What do I say?  I will surely die. I’ve been such a fool.” He said to himself under his breath.

Then he remembered the King Sons words. With that he took a deep breath and shouted with a resolute heart, but still with fear.

“I say it by the Kings authority through His Son. These words I declare over you.

And he repeated the words he had heard.

The creature screamed in anguish as the words struck like arrows to the serpents heart. The people had forgotten that the words of the King were powerful. They had just wanted the King to protect them.

The anguish echoed through the land as the serpent slithered back into the sea.

It became a sea of forgetfulness and many other people woke up that day, and more folks returned their hearts to the King.

‭‭Some of the people that had now recognized the value of the Kings words pointed at Isaac and shouted.

“Look everyone, look at this lads chest. He is glowing.”

Isaac looked puzzled and saw them pointing to him.

“The Kings words are true. We have never seen this. The white stone has shown itself.

Does it bear a new name?” they whispered in awe. The mere mention of this fabled inscription fueled their curiosity.   The Kings Son then arrived with a smile on His lips. The Prince clapped His hands in approval.

“Ah. The faithful one.  The King is so pleased.”

The white stone that shone with a brilliance emanated from Isaac’s entire being. It so filled him that others recognized the depth immediately.

Each soul longed to find their name written upon the White Stone, a symbol of their transformed and purified existence, known only by the Creator King Himself.

As the days passed and the people's quest for the White Stone intensified, just a few more delved deeper into the Kings teachings.

You see though they had complained about the unjust ways of the serpent They learned that it wasn't just a physical object but a spiritual transformation of the individual; a mark of their redemption and eternal connection to the King. They had been looking for protection when all along they already had it from the Kings word.  They just had to proclaim it in faith.

After awhile they would see their reward just as Isaac had.

Through their journey of seeking, they found that the White Stone embodied the Father's love, capable of cleansing even the most stained and burdened heart. It was showed their devotion, a token of their everlasting joy in the Kings presence.

Above all else, guard your heart.

It was Isaac’s favorite saying.

Many years later when Isaac was a learned old man, a radiant presence enveloped him and he found himself summoned before the King of Kings.

As he knelt before the throne, the King's gentle voice filled the chamber.  “Rise, my faithful servant," the King spoke, his voice carrying an otherworldly warmth. "Your quest for the White Stone was not in vain, for you have indeed carried it with you all your years.”

The White Stone is not just a physical gem to be plucked from the earth, but it grows in the man itself. The soil can only be a pure heart. Made pure by the refiners fire of trials. It is manifestation of the virtues that reside within. It is a reflection of kindness, of selflessness, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

With tears of joy streaming down his cheeks, Isaac was presented the name inscribed upon the White Stone. It bore the name "Virtuous," a testament to the noble qualities he had nurtured and embodied throughout his lifetime.

The white stone. So what is it? Is it a real gem, a raiment,  an element or a metaphor?

Why do we want to receive it?

Ahem…

Because the Lord tells us that we should strive to receive it.

It must be drawn out and picked up

A promise to receive for faith filled living and giving.

Drawn out by choice, to be given with voice!

Though it’s up to us to receive it

Picked up in humility and worn or carried because of a pure allegiance to the Father

Am I worthy?

No!, but its promised and revealed to those Who choose to abide

With Jesus in us and by our side

It is to be known by the receiver

And has to be found by divine revelation

By the giver of life, Gods representation

The story of the King of Kings

The bearer and receiver of this stone

Will be revealed by what their life has shown

Our new name is said to be written on this stone…

What? A new name?

Yes!  A new name, a new identity, nothing's the same,

Is mine full of shame?

No!  It’s a name we receive that only God has known

and then, Eternity! For you and me!

Given to him who overcomes

It is sealed with the Holy Spirits seal

To whom there is great appeal

You see, its in knowing the Fathers heart

Hearing His voice and not just a part,

With our lives complete

And no found deceit

For to live for Him and not our sin

Is declaring our innocence while us full knowing that…

We were stained and not pure

But we have known His love , that is sure!

Lord, I’ve given my life to the Father to rule

Oh that my life be ever found faithful!

Good servant of thee, there is no greater plea than

To hear Him say on that day

Enter into the joy of my rest

For in it I must confess

That I know it as my life’s true zest!

My heart of stone is now made pure

White as His stone my new name is sure

It shall be, so you see

A name I will adore

Always and Evermore !!

Amen!!

Donald Schuler

11/08/2023

I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17

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