Whose image and superscription hath it? - Luke 20:24
Our Lord more than once compared men to coins. He spoke of the woman who lost one piece of silver, and searched till she had found it.
The analogy might be carried out in many particulars; for as the ore passes through the crucible, and many another process, before it is stamped with the image of the sovereign, so do souls experience many fiery trials ere they can receive and keep the impression of heaven's mint, which is the face of Jesus. Whose image dost thou bear? - Is there a clear-cut outline of the features of Christ, so manifest that those who touch and handle you are irresistibly reminded of Him; or have the features of your King, which were once clear-cut, become effaced? Whose is thy superscription? Is A. D. there? - the year in which you were born into the kingdom of God, the year of our Lord, the year of your eternal life? Is "Dei gratia" there? (By the grace of God). So that all the while those who know you magnify the exceeding riches of His love as manifested in you. Is "Christus Rex" there? (Christ the King). Are you absolutely Christ's - to serve and to obey? Is "Fid. Def." there? (Defender of the Faith). Do you keep the deposit of Christ's holy Gospel, as you look to Him to keep the deposit which you have committed to Him? Is the lion on the quarterings? - speaking of the strength of the Lion of Judah imparted to your soul. Is the harp amongst them? - indicating the subjection of every string of your life to His finger. Is the crown there? - indicating how absolutely you have placed the empire of your nature upon the brow of your Lord. Then weave together the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley as the symbol of His reign.
