The ways of God are a mystery to man. Only when we have accepted salvation from Jesus Christ and received the Holy Spirit can we begin to understand. The Spirit uses three methods to open our minds and fill our hearts with godly wisdom.
Revelation. This term refers to truth given by the Lord that cannot be obtained in any other way. The Scriptures are the most obvious example. Anyone can read God’s Word and even understand some portions, but only a Spirit-filled believer can begin to grasp the layers of meaning within the Bible.
Illumination. We use this word to describe the amazing moment when the Holy Spirit lights up our minds so that we understand God’s Word. If the Bible were any other book, we would be able to read it a few times and know it thoroughly. But the Lord reveals ever-deeper truths about Himself as we mature in our faith (Eph. 1:18).
Remembrance. The Holy Spirit reminds us of godly principles or biblical passages when we need them. He helped the gospel writers recall events and Jesus’ words many years after the fact. And he does the same for us when we could use encouragement, inspiration, or comfort.
The Holy Spirit illuminates believers’ minds so that they can recognize and comprehend God’s revelation. When we memorize Scripture and store up biblical insights, the Holy Spirit can dip into the “reservoir” to bring needed wisdom to our memories.
If you are going to take instruction from someone, you want to be certain that person is well qualified, right? It’s interesting, then, that so many believers neglect the greatest Bible teacher available. We read religious books, consult friends, and tune into a favored preacher before we will get on our knees. While those sources can point us in the right direction, only the Holy Spirit illuminates God’s Word to our hearts and minds.
Asking someone to explain God’s Word seems easier than seeking to understand it through the Holy Spirit’s power. But consider what a person misses by forsaking Him. Who better to instruct believers about the Scripture’s depth and breadth than the One who wrote it (2 Peter 1:20-21)? The Spirit laid His message on the authors’ hearts, and they dutifully recorded it, each in his own unique voice.
Furthermore, as a member of the holy Trinity, the Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:10). He is often called the Spirit of truth, because He understands everything. The Spirit recognizes our emotional and mental state and can identify exactly where we are in our Christian growth. Therefore, He can reveal to our minds passages that will encourage, challenge, or convict us as needed.
We have a teacher of divine quality. He will help us to learn and grow, guide us through difficult passages, and shed light on why the Lord allows certain challenges our life. When it comes to aiding God’s people to know His Word, no one is more qualified than His Spirit.
From the opening line of Genesis to the final words of Revelation, all of Scripture is divinely inspired. And every word has purpose and importance.
The Old Testament introduces us to God’s nature, ways, and power; it lays the foundation for us to understand the Lord’s holiness and humanity’s desperate need for a Savior. The New Testament explains that Jesus sacrificially became our “bridge” to the Father (John 14:6). Its writings clarify why we must trust Christ for salvation, how to live as God’s children, and what to expect in this life and after death.
Through the Scriptures, almighty God reveals Himself to us. He also says that His Word is important for teaching, reproof, correction, instruction, and preparation for what we will face in life (2 Tim. 3:16-17). No other book holds such value for living.
Ephesians 6:13-17 compares the Word to armor, and for good reason: in the battle of life, we have a real enemy who wants to destroy us. But God’s power is greater (1 John 4:4), and “dressing” in war gear daily prepares His children for the temptations, lies, and decisions they will face. We ought to be excited about the Word of God, for it is the only hope for mankind—and the only instruction that leads to victory both in life and after physical death.
The Bible predicted that many people would reject the truth, and a glimpse at our culture shows that to be the case. Don’t let yourself fall into the same trap. Meditate daily on Scripture, and ask God to speak to you. Life without His truth is destined for failure.
Most everyone in our culture has easy access to a Bible, yet this remarkable book is too often left on the shelf to gather dust. If only people grasped its true worth, they would prize God’s Word above all other possessions.
All of Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit. While He used man to pen the words, every thought in the Bible originated with God Himself (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Consider how we treasure letters from people we love. Our response to Scripture should be even stronger. The Creator of the universe—the God who holds eternity in His hand—recorded all the truth that is necessary for His children to live fully and joyfully, both before and after death (2 Peter 1:3). God reveals Himself through His Word, which is alive and powerful to transform our lives (Heb. 4:12).
What’s more, Romans 10:17 explains the great importance of our love for the Word: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. In other words, Scripture is the very means by which saving faith is possible.
How could such a book have become so commonplace in our heart? So taken for granted? It is vital that we realize the preeminence of its author, the Lord, and its potential impact on our lives today.
Think about the last time you saw a Bible. What was your reaction? Did you finger the pages with awe, or did you pass it by with barely a glance? Next time you open this precious book, read the words, savor their meaning, and ask God to help you apply the lesson to your life.
The Holy Spirit is one of God’s most precious gifts to His beloved children. He takes up residence within the believer at the moment of salvation and empowers him to overcome sin and live for God’s glory and purposes. However, the Spirit’s power can be “turned off” or ignored. Only those who choose to walk with Him have unhindered access to His strength and guidance.
Walking by the Spirit denotes reliance upon Him. He leads the way, and we follow. As He speaks, we listen, heed His warnings, and obey His directions. The Spirit’s way is a path of surrender which, although difficult, leads to fullness of life.
God’s Spirit not only guides; He also empowers because the challenge of obeying Him is impossible in our own strength. The Holy Spirit supplies everything we need to live a godly life, and He produces His amazing fruit in us.
Being led by the Spirit should be the natural lifestyle of the sons and daughters of God. As you intentionally seek to maintain an awareness of His presence throughout the day, He is only a thought away. When your mind turns to Him, He gives sensitivity to the things of God and understanding about the situations and people in your life.
Take a walk with the Spirit today, and learn to know His voice. Whenever your mind is not occupied with the duties of the day, focus your thoughts on Him, asking for His guidance and looking expectantly for His leading. When He gives it, rely on His power to obey.
Procrastination can be a big problem: important tasks are neglected, and the benefits of finished work are never enjoyed. However, procrastinating in spiritual matters can be disastrous.
Every person is going to spend eternity somewhere. The destination is determined in this lifetime by a choice to either accept or reject Jesus’ offer of the forgiveness of sins. Some people feel that they can delay this decision. Eternity seems distant, and there is so much to enjoy in this life. They assume, I’ll just wait until I’m close to death. Then I’ll ask Jesus to save me.
The problems with this reasoning are obvious. First of all, there is no guarantee that you will have any warning before death. Second, by spending a lifetime rejecting Christ’s offer, you run the risk of developing a hardened heart. Saying no to God frequently throughout your life may result in being unable to say yes when death comes knocking at the door. In fact, you may not even be interested in Christ’s offer anymore.
There is great danger in abusing the grace of God. All people who are not protected by salvation in Jesus Christ will face the terrifying reality of judgment, as they stand before God without a Savior (Heb. 10:26-27).
By putting off a decision for Christ, you not only lose the immediate blessings of a deeply personal relationship with God now but also risk future separation from Him for all eternity. Don’t procrastinate! Come to Christ today: acknowledge your sin, ask His forgiveness, and trust Him as your Savior.
Remember our Pledge – Remain Faithful, the Truth will set you free and Be Strong.
John 8:31 -32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
1st Cor 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
And Our Quest – To search out the Truth about the End Times.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
NLT – God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
PART TWO
Getting a handle on where we are in the Bible…
Lets divide up the bible into sections starting with vs 19
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Things which thou hast seen – 1:9-20
The things which are – chapter 2 and 3
The things which shall be hereafter – Chap 4 on
Understand what we read and how to find out what it means…
Rev Chapter 4:1-5
1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
A door – He went thru it – Like Narnia
2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
No Pictures that capture this image – See notes on stones. Rainbow 360
Symbolism, not code – Chap 5:1-8
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
lamb=Jesus also Lion=Jesus not a code It is a metaphor – not who it is but what it is, telling us something about Him – This book is full of symbols which helps us understand to new depths…
What does this mean – rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Throne is authority – signifying power, ruler and king Why a rainbow? And why green like an emerald. – softest/gentlest color by rating – Rainbow – noah promise grace mercy and justice. Thrown of grace
4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
and government – elders. People who are created, experience time – age. Don’t know who but they have thrones, they work for God. Company office building, top floor is president ceo – then other leaders around and down – org chart
5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
The Olivet Discourse – Matt 24 – 25 and Mark 13 and Luke 21
Daniel 2,7,8 and 9
An In depth look at 4:3 for the stones and the rainbow – most makes sense to me but I’m not buying all of it – see what you think and use your spiritual discernment…
Exodus 28:15-21 15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. 16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. 18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. 19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. 20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. 21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:…” (Revelation 4:3a). The first mentioning of these precious stones in the Bible is found in Exodus 28:17-20, and as we just read, it has to do with the stones in Aaron’s breastplate–each stone representing one of Jacob’s 12 sons, and subsequently, the tribe that came from their loins.
To understand the significance of Christ looking like a jasper and a sardine stone, we need to refresh our memory as to how Jacob’s two wives, Leah and Rachel, serve as types. If you’ll recall the story of Jacob’s marriages, Jacob had worked for Rachel’s father seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage, but was tricked into first taking her older sister, Leah, to wife to fulfill the custom of the time and place. Then he was given Rachel on the condition that he would work seven more years for her (See Gen. 29). The story is chock full of symbolism and types, but for our purposes here, we simply need to know that Leah is a type for the Law while Rachel is a type for Grace. Furthermore, Leah’s first child (of many) was Reuben whose stone on Aaron’s breastplate was the sardine (sardius)–the first stone on the breastplate. But Rachel had only two sons: Joseph and Benjamin–whose stones were the onyx (sardonyx) and the jasper–the eleventh and twelfth stones on Aaron’s breastplate. That the Christ of Revelation was to look upon like a sardine stone and a jasper stone refers back to the stones on Aaron’s breastplate.
Reuben’s stone, the sardine, was placed first in agreement with the Hebrew’s patriarchal blessing of the first born for which Christ was qualified–being the firstborn of a Hebrew family under the law of Moses. Joseph’s and Benjamin’s stones, the onyx and the jasper, (the children of Rachel [grace]) were place on Aaron’s breastplate in positions 11 and 12 respectively according to Scriptural numerology.
Although Revelation does not refer to Joseph’s stone per se, it is very interesting that like Benjamin, he was also born of “grace.” Joseph served both as an example for the Hebrews and a type for Christ. As an example for the Hebrews, he demonstrated how that those who lived by the faith of Father Abraham, trusting fully in the grace of God, were blessed beyond measure. As a type of Christ, he suffered the rejection of his brethren who thought they had done away with him. He endured all that came his way, not riling against those who thought to do him evil. Eventually, he was raised to a position even higher than what he should have had as a Hebrew; and in that position, he became the savior of his brethren and of the world around him. In Biblical numerology, the number eleven stands for judgment/the cross.
Benjamin’s stone, the jasper, was placed in the 12th position on Aaron’s breastplate and this is full of significance. The number 12 stands for the foundations of the church (called out ones). The first church in the Bible was Israel and its 12 foundations are the 12 sons of Jacob from which came forth the 12 tribes of Israel. The second Church of the Scriptures (2 is the number for the Church) is the New Testament Church, the Bride of Christ (His Rachel). Benjamin with his twelfth stone on Aaron’s breastplate is a type of the New Testament Church who was especially loved of his father and for no apparent reason other than he was his father’s baby. The 12 foundations for the Church are the 12 Apostles upon whose teachings the Church is built. Christ is said to “look upon like a jasper” because He is in the midst of the Grace-AgeChurch. In fact, the believer is admonish to live like Paul whose goal was to live in such a way that others did not see him, but Christ Jesus living in him.
The emerald is also full of spiritual/prophetic significance. To understand this significance, let’s look at a table of the precious stones that represent the 24 elders of Revelation (the 12 plus 12 of Biblical numerology: i.e., the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles).
The twelve Tribes—-stone on Aaron’s breastplate—-The Twelve Apostles—stone in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (For order, see Gen. 49.) (See Ex. 28; 39) (For order, see Mt. 10.) (See Rev. 21) 1. Reuben (Leah) Sardius 1. Peter Jasper (sardine)–first 2. Simeon (Leah) Topaz 2. Andrew Sapphire 3. Levi (Leah) Carbuncle 3. James (of Zebedee) Chalcedony 4. Judah (Leah) Emerald 4. John Emerald 5. Dan (Bilhah) Sapphire 5. Philip Sardonyx
6. Naphtali (Bilhah) Diamond 6. Bartholomew Sardius
7. Gad (Zilpah) Jacinth 7. Thomas Chrysolyte
8. Asher (Zilpah) Agate 8. Matthew Beryl
9. Issachar (Leah) Amethyst 9. James Topaz
10. Zebulun (Leah) Beryl 10. Lebbaeus (Thaddaeus) Chrysoprasus
11. Joseph (Rachel) Onyx (Sardonyx) 11. Simon Jacinth 12. Benjamin (Rachel) Jasper 12. Paul* methyst
Let’s note first that the emerald is the only stone that occupies the same position in both law and grace: i.e., the fourth position. Let’s note that the number four speaks to the earth. Also, let’s note that both Judah and John had a very important attribute in common–they had compassion and love for their fellow man! For example, when Joseph’s brothers threw him into the pit to die, it was Judah that talked them into selling him to a slave caravan to keep him alive. And John’s tender heart is reflected in John 13:25: “He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?”Now, let’s apply our prophetic interpretation to the emerald, the stone that represents Judah, John, and Christ. In Judah and John we saw the “salt” of the earth, those of God’s creation with attributes pleasing to Him. And in Christ Jesus (Who liked to be know as the Son of Man, thereby identifying Himself with His Creation) we saw this love and compassion personified and demonstrated to its zenith when he walked among the people and healed the sick and afflicted. “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14).
Remember our Pledge – Remain Faithful, the Truth will set you free and Be Strong.
John 8:31 -32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
1st Cor 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
And Our Quest – To search out the Truth about the End Times.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
NLT – God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
PART TWO
Getting a handle on where we are in the Bible…
Lets divide up the bible into sections starting with vs 19
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The Things which thou hast seen – 1:9-20
The things which are – chapter 2 and 3
The things which shall be hereafter – Chap 4 on
Understand what we read and how to find out what it means…
Rev Chapter 4:1-5
1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
A door – He went thru it – Like Narnia
2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
No Pictures that capture this image – See notes on stones. Rainbow 360
Symbolism, not code – Chap 5:1-8
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
lamb=Jesus also Lion=Jesus not a code It is a metaphor – not who it is but what it is, telling us something about Him – This book is full of symbols which helps us understand to new depths…
What does this mean – rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Throne is authority – signifying power, ruler and king Why a rainbow? And why green like an emerald. – softest/gentlest color by rating – Rainbow – noah promise grace mercy and justice. Thrown of grace
4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
and government – elders. People who are created, experience time – age. Don’t know who but they have thrones, they work for God. Company office building, top floor is president ceo – then other leaders around and down – org chart
5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Exodus 28:15-21 15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. 16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. 18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. 19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. 20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. 21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:…” (Revelation 4:3a). The first mentioning of these precious stones in the Bible is found in Exodus 28:17-20, and as we just read, it has to do with the stones in Aaron’s breastplate–each stone representing one of Jacob’s 12 sons, and subsequently, the tribe that came from their loins.
To understand the significance of Christ looking like a jasper and a sardine stone, we need to refresh our memory as to how Jacob’s two wives, Leah and Rachel, serve as types. If you’ll recall the story of Jacob’s marriages, Jacob had worked for Rachel’s father seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage, but was tricked into first taking her older sister, Leah, to wife to fulfill the custom of the time and place. Then he was given Rachel on the condition that he would work seven more years for her (See Gen. 29). The story is chock full of symbolism and types, but for our purposes here, we simply need to know that Leah is a type for the Law while Rachel is a type for Grace. Furthermore, Leah’s first child (of many) was Reuben whose stone on Aaron’s breastplate was the sardine (sardius)–the first stone on the breastplate. But Rachel had only two sons: Joseph and Benjamin–whose stones were the onyx (sardonyx) and the jasper–the eleventh and twelfth stones on Aaron’s breastplate. That the Christ of Revelation was to look upon like a sardine stone and a jasper stone refers back to the stones on Aaron’s breastplate.
Reuben’s stone, the sardine, was placed first in agreement with the Hebrew’s patriarchal blessing of the first born for which Christ was qualified–being the firstborn of a Hebrew family under the law of Moses. Joseph’s and Benjamin’s stones, the onyx and the jasper, (the children of Rachel [grace]) were place on Aaron’s breastplate in positions 11 and 12 respectively according to Scriptural numerology.
Although Revelation does not refer to Joseph’s stone per se, it is very interesting that like Benjamin, he was also born of “grace.” Joseph served both as an example for the Hebrews and a type for Christ. As an example for the Hebrews, he demonstrated how that those who lived by the faith of Father Abraham, trusting fully in the grace of God, were blessed beyond measure. As a type of Christ, he suffered the rejection of his brethren who thought they had done away with him. He endured all that came his way, not riling against those who thought to do him evil. Eventually, he was raised to a position even higher than what he should have had as a Hebrew; and in that position, he became the savior of his brethren and of the world around him. In Biblical numerology, the number eleven stands for judgment/the cross.
Benjamin’s stone, the jasper, was placed in the 12th position on Aaron’s breastplate and this is full of significance. The number 12 stands for the foundations of the church (called out ones). The first church in the Bible was Israel and its 12 foundations are the 12 sons of Jacob from which came forth the 12 tribes of Israel. The second Church of the Scriptures (2 is the number for the Church) is the New Testament Church, the Bride of Christ (His Rachel). Benjamin with his twelfth stone on Aaron’s breastplate is a type of the New Testament Church who was especially loved of his father and for no apparent reason other than he was his father’s baby. The 12 foundations for the Church are the 12 Apostles upon whose teachings the Church is built. Christ is said to “look upon like a jasper” because He is in the midst of the Grace-AgeChurch. In fact, the believer is admonish to live like Paul whose goal was to live in such a way that others did not see him, but Christ Jesus living in him.
The emerald is also full of spiritual/prophetic significance. To understand this significance, let’s look at a table of the precious stones that represent the 24 elders of Revelation (the 12 plus 12 of Biblical numerology: i.e., the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles).
The twelve Tribes—-stone on Aaron’s breastplate—-The Twelve Apostles—stone in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (For order, see Gen. 49.) (See Ex. 28; 39) (For order, see Mt. 10.) (See Rev. 21) 1. Reuben (Leah) Sardius (sardine)–first 1. Peter Jasper 2. Simeon (Leah) Topaz 2. Andrew Sapphire 3. Levi (Leah) Carbuncle 3. James (of Zebedee) Chalcedony 4. Judah (Leah) Emerald 4. John Emerald 5. Dan (Bilhah) Sapphire 5. Philip Sardonyx
6. Naphtali (Bilhah) Diamond 6. Bartholomew Sardius
7. Gad (Zilpah) Jacinth 7. Thomas Chrysolyte
8. Asher (Zilpah) Agate 8. Matthew Beryl
9. Issachar (Leah) Amethyst 9. James Topaz
10. Zebulun (Leah) Beryl 10. Lebbaeus (Thaddaeus) Chrysoprasus
11. Joseph (Rachel) Onyx (Sardonyx) 11. Simon Jacinth 12. Benjamin (Rachel) Jasper 12. Paul* Amethyst
Let’s note first that the emerald is the only stone that occupies the same position in both law and grace: i.e., the fourth position. Let’s note that the number four speaks to the earth. Also, let’s note that both Judah and John had a very important attribute in common–they had compassion and love for their fellow man! For example, when Joseph’s brothers threw him into the pit to die, it was Judah that talked them into selling him to a slave caravan to keep him alive. And John’s tender heart is reflected in John 13:25: “He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?”Now, let’s apply our prophetic interpretation to the emerald, the stone that represents Judah, John, and Christ. In Judah and John we saw the “salt” of the earth, those of God’s creation with attributes pleasing to Him. And in Christ Jesus (Who liked to be know as the Son of Man, thereby identifying Himself with His Creation) we saw this love and compassion personified and demonstrated to its zenith when he walked among the people and healed the sick and afflicted. “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14).
All people sin against God. When man was created in the garden of Eden, he had a choice to obey or disobey the Lord. At that time, there was only one thing that was off limits, but Adam and Eve chose to partake of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:3-6).
Since then, the entire human race has been poisoned by sin. The daily bad choices we make are only symptoms of the bigger problem—our sin nature. But God is so perfectly pure and holy that sin cannot enter His presence. Therefore, we come into this world with an “inherited” condition of separation from the Father.
Scripture states that sin’s punishment is eternal death, and there’s nothing we can do to correct the problem. In other words, left to fend for ourselves, we are doomed. Each of us desperately needs redemption.
So God, in His amazing love for us, sent His only Son as the solution to our problem. Fully man yet fully God, Jesus lived a perfect life and then gave His life for our sake. He deserved glory but instead took our sin upon Himself and endured excruciating suffering and separation from His Father. Why would He submit to such torture? Christ took our place and our punishment. He allowed Himself to die a criminal’s death on the cross to save each of us. Three days later, He rose to life again, conquering sin and death.
Jesus, in His love, overcame our dreadful fate and offered us eternal life instead. This free gift is available to you. Simply believe that Christ is Lord, He died on the cross for your sin, and He rose from the grave. Don’t wait to accept this great salvation—commit to following Him today.
Scriptures, Lessons, News and Links to help you survive.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 