The Radiant Stone. Revelation 4:3-5

 I Went to the Zeehan museum on the West Coast of Tasmania. In there was a great collection of rocks. Their structure and patterns and colours made visible through strategic use of lights. Fascinating. Behind the plain exterior, often covered with mud and grime lies an unseen beauty.

This is a symbol of Humanity. Sin, unbelief and rebellion against God and goodness have covered its beauty. Part of the reason for the Lord Jesus’ coming was to remove the mud and grime. However to do that He had to take upon Himself the form of a man. Philippians 2:5-8.  Beyond all that, Jesus as the Messiah took upon Himself all the muck, sludge and filth which encrusts Humanity – you and me included, 2 Cor. 5:21

In Revelation we are given a glimpse of the risen Lord. Free from the sin of the World, no longer hiding His eternal glory through the dress of a servant, we behold Him as the Radiant Stone. In Revelation 4:3, two stones are highlighted, Jasper and carnelian. They are also the 12^th and the 1st of the precious stones on the High Priest’s breastplate, Exodus 28:15-21. Jasper is mentioned first in Revelation but is actually the 12^th. Its colour is considered to be green.  Carnelian (sardine in kjv) [ruby. Niv] is 1^st on the Breastplate and is the colour red. What is symbolized? Blood!

 Jesus is the redeemer. We are the redeemed. That is an accomplished fact. It will be eternally remembered. Green, death, and rise from its grip is the colour at the forefront in Heaven. The green rainbow expresses mercy. God knew Humanity could not pay the penalty for sin and live. God’s mercy paved the way to save those who believed in the One who could pay the price. That person is Jesus Christ. We are sharing in that faithful fulfilment. I’d like to think that the green represents our conformity to Christ and clothed in His life and righteousness.

  The glory of the One who is our Lord, Saviour and high Priest is seen in Revelation 1:12-16. It is so awesome that the beloved disciple, John fainted. Imagine that! He who had spent three years with Jesus, was a witness to His risen life and transformed body was overwhelmed. What a wonderful moment awaits us. When the Lord makes Himself known to the heart and mind of an individual it is overwhelming. Sometimes frightening. When He comes with Salvation we rejoice. When the Lord comes to us in His radiance it can be crushing.

 The power of His glory is detailed by how He deals with the Man of Lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:8. It is simply by the breath of His mouth (the Sword of His Word) and the brightness of His unveiled glory.

 Finally, The radiance of Christ Jesus means there is no need of the light of the sun in the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:21-23. Also the city is permeated by this very radiance, Revelation.21:19-21.

 The Rejected stone, the Smitten Stone, the Stumbling Stone has become for us our foundation Stone, Capstone and the Radiant Stone. One day the Nations of this World will face Him as the Everlasting Stone. Daniel 2: 34-35.  7:13-14.

(Next blog)