The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Jasper

It's notable that the exact identity of a few stones mentioned in Exodus 28 and Revelation 21 are uncertain and differ from translation to translation. Since many of the stones are now contemporary birthstones, I will highlight them in the months in which they correspond, not necessarily in the order they are mentioned in scripture. It's also notable that the number 12 (the number of perfection in government, and completion) is a key theme throughout these particular posts.

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Jasper

Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world; its name can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. Jasper is often named according to its pattern: landscape jasper, the most popular, offers a small panorama in stone. Ribbon jasper, picture jasper, and orbicular jasper are the names of other varieties. Jasper is found in many countries. It is sometimes used to create bowls and other objects and to adorn buildings, such as the Saint Wenceslas Chapel in Prague.

It's interesting that this stone which is mentioned last (of twelve stones) to be placed in the breastplate of Aaron in Exodus, is mentioned first (of twelve stones) in the foundation of the walls of the New Jerusalem in Revelation.

This reminds of Jesus' teaching from Matthew 20:16 NIV in which He stated "the last will be first and the first will be last." Because Jasper can take on so many different patterns and names, it reminds me of what Jesus said in John 8:58 NIV "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!" Just like so many different patterns, Jesus is the answer to so many different needs; when we say "Lord, I need...(fill in the blank), Jesus says "I Am...(the answer to whatever is in the blank). Just like so many different names, Jesus is known as Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Lion of Judah, Star out of Abraham, Lamb of God, Son of Man and on and on. And just like Jasper, Jesus was First (as God in Heaven) - became Last (as man on earth) - and now is First again (at the right hand of the Father).
Jasper represented the tribe of Benjamin (of the 12 tribes of Israel) in the breastplate of the High Priest Aaron when God established the Old Covenant Church, and represents Peter (of the 12 apostles & Matthew 16:18) in the first of 12 foundations of the walls in the New Jerusalem in God's establishment of the New Covenant Church of which Jesus is The Great High Priest. Jasper's placement in both the breastplate and the foundations makes it a cornerstone.

In a day and age when we consider many stones much more precious than jasper, is it any wonder God does not?

NEXT POST: Amethyst and The First Miracle remix

3 in 1 and 1 in 3

Tourmalines are precious stones displaying a unique splendor of colors. According to an ancient Egyptian legend this is the result of the fact that on the long way from the earth’s heart up towards the sun, tourmaline traveled along a rainbow. And on its way it collected all the colors of the rainbow. This is why nowadays it is called the "Rainbow gemstone”. However, the name "Tourmaline” has been derived from the Singhalese expression "tura mali”, which translates as "stone of mixed colors.” The very name already refers to the unique spectrum of colors displayed by this gemstone, which is second to none in the realm of precious stones. Often they show two or more colors and are cherished for this party- or multi-colored appearance. For example, such slices taken from tourmalines with a red heart, white and then green border are called a "Watermelon-Tourmaline” or Tri-Color Tourmaline. It is in fact 3 stones in 1, and all 3 are 1 tourmaline.

Whenever I see this stone it reminds me of our God; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, each their own entity yet all 3 are 1 God.

Even the three colors of watermelon tourmaline each have specific names when apart from one another. Green tourmaline is known as 'Elbaite'. Red tourmaline is known as 'Rubellite'. White tourmaline is known as 'Achroite'.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, it's like getting a fine piece of watermelon tourmaline.....it's a 3 for 1 deal. As we accept The Son, we have access to The Father, and until that day when The Son returns, we have The Holy Spirit. The Creator, (Genesis 1:1) The Savior (John 3:16), and The Counselor (John 14:26) are all wrapped up in one wonderful God, who loves us and cares for us and provides for our every need. I'm a very firm believer that God reveals Himself through nature (Romans 1:20) and gives us glimpses of His qualities, His power, and His Divinity.

Although the processes that create watermelon tourmaline are incredibly complicated and should make it extremely rare, it is actually quite abundant. I believe it's because God doesn't want us to miss this picture of Him...a natural, beautiful example of The Great 3 in 1 and 1 in 3.

NEXT POST: The Hope