Opal - Making All Things New

Opal is one of the birthstones for the month of October, the other being Pink Tourmaline. Opal is most often finished with a rounded top, known as cabochon. Pink tourmaline is almost always faceted, but is also cut 'en cabochon' as well.

The name Opal was probably derived from Sanskrit “upala“, meaning ”valuable stone“. This was probably the root for the Greek term “opallios”, which translates as “color change”. In the days of Roman antiquity there existed a so-called “opalus”, or a “stone from several elements”. Opal’s color play emanates a very special attraction and fascination. But what causes this phenomenon? This question was impossible to answer for a very long time. Only when in the 1960s a team of Australian scientists analyzed Opals with an electron microscope, it was discovered that small spheres from silica gel caused interference and refraction manifestations, which are responsible for the fantastic play of colors. The spheres, which are arranged in more or less compact structures, succeed in dissecting the light on its passage through the gemstone and turning it into all the colors of the rainbow, always new and always different.

Always new...those words remind me of Jesus for two reasons.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become a new creation, a new work. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (KJV)

And Revelation 21:5, "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."(KJV)

Like so many colors of light that come out of Opal, Jesus is the Light that shines healing on so many troubles, makes a difference, and makes all things new.

NEXT POST: The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Agate & Chalcedony

*The Gems of Exodus and Revelation are presented in twelve monthly installments and will explore the similarities between the stones in the ephod (breastplate) of Aaron and the stones of the New Jerusalem, and their relation to Jesus.

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Sapphire

Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. Sapphire was the second stone in the second row of the Breastplate of Aaron mentioned in Exodus Chapter 28 and represented the Tribe of Simeon, and will decorate the second foundation of the New Jerusalem mentioned in Revelation 21 and represent the Apostle Andrew.

In Scripture the number two is the number of, and represents, division or double-portion. In the context of this paragraph it represents division. Chapter 34 of Genesis tells the story of the defilement of Dinah, sister of Simeon and Levi (brothers, and sons of Jacob) and their reaction to the incident which ended in the killing of all the males in the city of Shechem. This mass killing came after Simeon and Levi's father Jacob (a.k.a. Israel) had tried to seek justice by requiring the males of Shechem to be circumcised, to which they agreed, only to be killed three days later at the hands and swords of Simeon, Levi, and other sons of Jacob. They also plundered the entire city of anything of value. Upon hearing the news of the killings, Jacob became ashamed, fearful for his life and left that land. This abbreviated history is important to understand when you come to Genesis Chapter 49 when Jacob (now named Israel) calls his sons together to tell them what will happen in days to come. Israel said, "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; And their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel"ASV (referring to their killing spree in Shechem). Sapphire's 'second in the second row' (2 of 2) representation for the Tribe of Simeon certainly testifies to Simeon's separation or division from the counsel of his father, although not disinherited entirely. The Tribe of Levi was set apart (divided from the nation of Israel in Deuteronomy 10:8-9) by God Himself, to forever be servants of the Temple and have no inheritance with their brethren. The brothers were divided from both their father and from each other. So the significance of Sapphire's representing Simeon seems to have more to do with it's placement (2 of 2, divided from his father Israel and divided from his brother Levi) than any property of the gem itself.

In the context of this paragraph the number 2 will represent double (increased) portion. Sapphire will also represent the Apostle Andrew in the second foundation of the New Jerusalem mentioned in Revelation 21. The blue color of Sapphire can remind us of Andrew (and his brother Peter) in that these first two disciples of Jesus were called from being fishermen of the sea to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18). The first thing Andrew did after meeting Jesus was run and find his brother Simon Peter and bring him to Jesus. It was Andrew who brought the boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus, which Jesus miraculously multiplies into enough food to feed everyone (John 6:8-9). Andrew is most often seen physically bringing people to Jesus. Because of these acts, the numbers of believers was increased as Jesus was glorified.

I believe the thing to remember about this post is that Jesus is the author of forgiveness and redemption. In the case of Simeon, Jesus purposed that Simeon would see repercussions of his own actions, yet in forgiveness, not be disinherited completely. Levi was set apart by God Himself to forever serve others and participate in their own redemption, putting sword to sacrifices instead of men.

In the case of Andrew, many came to know the greatest Love ever to be shown to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ. The blue color of sapphire (representing the Apostle Andrew in the 2nd foundation of the New Jerusalem), is linked to emotions such as sympathy and harmony, friendship and loyalty, emotions with features described as permanent, reliable, composed, and yielding mutual understanding and unshakeable trust. These are qualities that will forever represent the apostle Andrew and his relationship to Jesus Christ, The King of the New Jerusalem.

NEXT POST: Opal - Making All Things New

Sapphire - Color and Emotions

Sapphire is the official birthstone for the month of September as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum (the red variety of corundum is ruby). At 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral.

Blue is by far the most popular color for sapphires, but they can be almost any color, including yellow, green, white, colorless, pink, orange, brown, and purple. Padparadscha is the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire and has a higher value than blue sapphires. The wonderful Kashmir sapphires, which were found in 1880 after an avalanche had come down in a height of 5000 m, and which were intensively mined then for eight years, have for all times set the standard for our ideas of the color of a top quality sapphire.

Blue is also the favorite color of about 50 per cent of the population, men and women alike. This color, which is strongly associated with sapphire, is also linked to emotions such as sympathy and harmony, friendship and loyalty. These emotions belong to features which are permanent and reliable – emotions where overwhelming and fiery passion is not the main element, but rather composure, mutual understanding and unshakeable trust. Sapphire blue has thus become a color related to anything permanent and reliable, and this is one of the reasons why women in many countries settle on Sapphire for their engagement rings. Sapphire symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness, while at the same time expressing love and yearning.

Sympathy, harmony, friendship, loyalty, faithfulness, competence, love. Do these words remind you of anything, or perhaps anyone? They sure remind me of Jesus. Jesus is most certainly sympathetic, and brings harmony to even a raging sea with just the sound of His voice (Mark 4:37-39). He wants to be our friend, and is loyal and faithful to that end, even unto His own suffering, and why? Because He loves us (John 3:16). And His love is both permanent and reliable.

NEXT POST: *The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Sapphire

*The Gems of Exodus and Revelation are presented in twelve monthly installments and will explore the similarities between the stones in the ephod (breastplate) of Aaron and the stones of the New Jerusalem, and their relation to Jesus.

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Chrysolite

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.

Chrysolite is known among the gems by different names. According to its color, chrysolite is called peridot when of a deep olive-green, olivine when of a yellowish-green, and chrysolite when of a lighter or golden-yellow color. The name chrysolite means gold stone. Chrysolite was the first stone in the fourth (last) row, making it a cornerstone in the (Ephod) Breastplate of Aaron, and represented the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan is mentioned seldom in the Bible, but there is a couple of curious UN-mentions. Although originally mentioned as the one of the largest tribes (second largest) in the second census in the Book of Numbers Chapter 26, Dan is excluded from the list of tribes in I Chronicles Chapters 1-9 and again in Revelation 7. Perhaps, it is judicial punishment because of their early and almost total fall into idolatry, as in fact it became a seat of idolatry in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Chrysolite will also decorate the 7th foundation of the New Jerusalem and represent the apostle Thomas. Although Thomas is not mentioned much in other Gospels, the book of John records some crucial accounts of the personality and character of Thomas (John 11:16, John 14:5). But more especially Thomas is remembered for his doubt when the other Apostles announced Christ's Resurrection to him: "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25); but eight days later he made his act of faith, drawing down the remark of Jesus: "Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed" (John 20:29).

As we look at Chrysolite's position in both the Ephod and the Foundation we see the numbers 1 (first in the row and cornerstone, the number "one" in Scripture as symbolic of the First Person of the Most Holy Trinity, God the Father) & 4 (fourth row, the number "four" representing God's creative works, particularly the earth) in the Ephod and the number 7 (the number of spiritual perfection and completeness) in the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The position of Chrysolite in the Ephod seems prophetic in its' representation of the tribe of Dan, second only to Judah in size and arguably a cornerstone of the tribes (given that position in the Ephod), who would fall to earthly (the 'fourth' row) or worldly idolatry.

Chrysolite's 7th position in the foundations and its' representation of the Apostle Thomas is encouraging. Although Thomas initially doubted the resurrection of Christ, he proclaimed "My Lord and My God" after examining Jesus in John 20:28, so that he was not denied a position (numerically speaking) of spiritual completeness, being represented by Chrysolite in the 7th foundation of the New Jerusalem. Thomas was a prisoner and captive to his own doubt and unbelief, but was set free when he met the Living Christ. What a beautiful picture (for all of us) of the grace of Jesus.

NEXT POST: Sapphire

Peridot - Giving Plenty

Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. Peridot is an ancient and yet currently very popular gemstone. It is so old that it can be found even in Egyptian jewelry from the early second millennium BC. The stones used in those days came from an occurrence on a little volcanic island in the Red Sea, about 70 km off the Egyptian coast, which was rediscovered only around 1900 and has been completely exploited since. Peridot, however, is also a very modern stone, for only a few years ago Peridot occurrences were discovered in the Kashmir region, and the stones from there show a unique beauty of color and transparency, so that the image of the stone, which was somewhat dulled over the ages, has received an efficient re-polishing.

Peridot is one of the few gemstones which exist only in one color and yet the gemstone is actually known under three names: Peridot, Chrysolite (and derived from the Greek word “goldstone”) and Olivin, because Peridot is the gemstone variety of the Olivin mineral. In the gemstone trade it is generally called Peridot, a name derived from the Greek “peridona”, meaning something like “giving plenty”.

When I think on Peridot I'm reminded of some things about Jesus. Peridot exists in only one color and yet is known by three names. This reminds of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) that we believers know as One God. The root of Peridot's name "giving plenty" and color of yellow/gold and green reminds me of what Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly"NASB.

"Giving plenty" makes me think of that word "abundantly". The yellow/gold of the color makes me think of blessings (like gold, or riches), and green obviously makes me think of life itself...everlasting life which He purchased for us at Calvary with His Life and Blood.....now that's giving plenty!

NEXT POST: *The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Chrysolite

*The Gems of Exodus and Revelation are presented in twelve monthly installments and will explore the similarities between the stones in the ephod (breastplate) of Aaron and the stones of the New Jerusalem, and their relation to Jesus.

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Ruby & Carnelian

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.

Ruby is the red variety of corundum known as the 'King of Gemstones'. In the Sanskrit language Ruby is called 'ratnaraj', which does in fact translate as 'King of Gemstones'. The actual name 'Ruby' was derived from the Latin word 'rubens' meaning 'red'. Ruby was the first stone in the first row (a cornerstone) in the Breastplate of Aaron and represented the tribe of Judah.

Carnelian is a reddish-brown mineral which is commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone. The word carnelian is derived from the Latin word caro, carnis meaning flesh, in reference to the flesh color sometimes exhibited. Carnelian was used widely during Roman times to make engraved gems for signet or seal rings for imprinting a seal with wax on correspondence or other important documents because hot wax does not stick to Carnelian. Carnelian is a variety of the silica mineral chalcedony, colored by impurities of iron oxide. The color can vary greatly, ranging from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. Carnelian will decorate the sixth foundation of the New Jerusalem and represent the apostle Bartholomew.

Two interesting attributes shared by both of these gems are: 1) their membership in the trigonal crystal system, which is one of the seven crystal systems, both of which were mentioned in the previous post on Ruby and 2) their color - red.

In the previous post on Ruby, I shared how the color of Ruby reminds of the Blood of Jesus, and that it's Sanskrit name 'ratnaraj' (translated "King of Gemstones') also reminds of the 'King of Kings'. Now we see that Ruby's placement in the Breastplate of Aaron represented the tribe of Judah, AND is a cornerstone. In Matthew Chapter 1, the lineage of Jesus is listed beginning with Judah. The first ever prophecy of the coming of Jesus, the Lion of Judah, and his never-ending Kingdom appears in Genesis 49:8-12. The reference was made by Jacob on his deathbed. Revelation 5:8-10 and 6:12-17 declare Jesus as the Lion of Judah. Zechariah 10:4 states "From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler" and 1Peter 2:6, "For in Scripture (a reference to Isaiah 28:16) it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." So again, in looking back at the construction of the Breastplate of Aaron, we see God using 'signs' that point to Jesus Christ.

Carnelian will represent the apostle Bartholomew in the 6th foundation of the New Jerusalem. It's interesting to note here that the Latin root for the word 'carnelian' means 'flesh' (in reference to color sometimes exibited) and that the means of martyrdom for Bartholomew was by flaying (skinned alive), then crucified head downward, by order of an enraged Astyages, for having converted his brother, Polymius, King of Armenia. The flayed Bartholomew can be seen holding his own flesh in Michelangelo's Sistine painting of the Last Judgement. A statue by Marco d'Agrate from 1562 portrays much the same sight. It would seem fitting that the gem whose name means 'flesh' would forever memorialize the apostle who lost his own flesh for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Again, these red stones should serve as a reminder to us all of the price that has been paid for our salvation, and for the furthering of The Gospel.

NEXT POST: Peridot

Ruby - Kings, The Trinity, and The Blood

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July. Ruby is the red variety of corundum known as the 'King of Gemstones'. The term 'corundum' which we use today is derived from the Sanskrit word 'kuruvinda'. In the Sanskrit language Ruby is called 'ratnaraj', which does in fact translate as 'King of Gemstones'. The actual name 'Ruby' was derived from the Latin word 'rubens' meaning 'red'.

The red of rubies is in a class all by itself: warm and fiery. Two elements are associated with the symbolism of this color: fire and blood, implying warmth, illumination and life for mankind.

Ruby occurs as a trigonal rhombohedral crystal i.e., a crystal having threefold symmetry. In crystallography, the trigonal crystal system is one of the seven crystal systems, and the rhombohedral lattice system is one of the seven lattice systems.

The trigonal attribute and threefold symmetry of Ruby's crystal structure reminds me of the Holy Trinity of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Three in One and One in Three. Ruby's membership in one of seven crystal systems and seven lattice systems reminds me of the number 7 representing spiritual perfection, fulness, and completion. Seven is also the number of Covenant and the Holy Spirit. These things combined with ruby's red color brings to mind so many things about Jesus.

Jesus is the Son of God, One of Three and a Third of One. Jesus' sinless life with us on earth confirmed He is spiritually perfect. Time and again He did things that fulfilled scripture, and His death and resurrection completed the plan for our salvation. He made a covenant with us, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20 NIV). After His ascension to heaven, He sent us the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).

Of course the most prominent attribute about ruby that reminds of Jesus is it's color, red. Red is the color of blood, and the red color of ruby always reminds me that Jesus shed His Blood for our sins. It is the Blood of Jesus that cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness.

Ruby, known as the 'King of Gemstones' has many attributes that remind of the 'King of Kings' when examined a little closer with an eye toward deeper things than just mere beauty.

NEXT POST: *The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Ruby and Carnelian

*The Gems of Exodus and Revelation are presented in twelve monthly installments and will explore the similarities between the stones in the ephod (breastplate) of Aaron and the stones of the New Jerusalem, and their relation to Jesus.

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Onyx & Sardonyx

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.

Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 7th year of marriage. Black Onyx is the anniversary gemstone for the 10th year of marriage. Onyx is the semiprecious variety of the silica mineral agate with white and black, brown or red alternating bands. Its properties are the same as those of quartz. The name onyx was used by the Romans for a variety of stones including alabaster, chalcedony, and what is now known as onyx marble. Onyx was the second stone in the fourth row on the Breastplate of Aaron in Exodus Chapter 28, and represented the tribe of Asher.

The word Sardonyx is derived from the Greek, Sard, meaning "reddish brown," and onyx meaning "veined gem." Varieties of onyx include carnelian onyx, with white and red bands, and sardonyx, with white and brown bands. The layers in these stones range from translucent to opaque for sardonyx. The stones vary in color, too. They may be white or gray, ranging to many colorful varieties. Sardonyx stones usually contain flat-banded, white and brownish-red bands. Sardonyx decorates the fifth foundation of the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21, and represents the Apostle Philip.

Black onyx is used prolifically in the jewelry trade from costume grade to the highest fine karat gold grade. Sardonyx is not used nearly as much, and predominantly in costume jewelry.

When I think about the attributes of these stones, they remind me of things about Jesus.

Black onyx reminds me of His death on the cross and the darkness over the land that accompanied the event (Matthew 27:45). It reminds me of the darkness of the tomb in which He was laid.

The red and white stripes of Sardonyx remind me of the wound to His side that gushed forth both water and blood (John 19:34).

I'm reminded of the lengths in which Jesus was willing to go in order to secure our salvation. That He would suffer things for you and me, so that we could have eternal life with Him, should we choose. Of course, Jesus had to suffer these things to get to the tomb from which He would resurrect three days later, victorious over suffering, darkness and death.

NEXT POST: Ruby

Alexandrite and Our Never-Changing God

Alexandrite is a rare gemstone named after the Russian tsar Alexander II (1818-1881), the very first crystals having been discovered in April 1834 in the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in the Urals. The discovery was made on the day the future tsar came of age. Although alexandrite is a relatively young gemstone, it certainly has a noble history. Alexandrite is the faceted birthstone for the month of June.

The most sensational feature about this stone, however, is its surprising ability to change its colors. Green or bluish-green in daylight, alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red or raspberry red in artificial light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all, especially in fine qualities.

Alexandrite reminds me of God's Love for us.

God's Love for us doesn't change, but everything in His Kingdom and all of His creation is in a constant state of change.
Watch the image above.
The alexandrite doesn't change shape, or its facets become re-arranged even when the colors constantly change within the stone.

God has a perfect will, a plan, for everything and everyone. And although things seem to constantly change around us within that plan...good changes, bad changes, planned changes and surprise changes, we can remain secure in the faithfulness of God’s Love for us which is constant and never changing (1 Chronicles 16:34).

The color change of alexandrite from red to green reminds me of how the (red) blood of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to have (green) life everlasting. You cannot have one without the other, and both abide within God's Love. Jesus (His death and resurrection) is God's greatest expression of His Love for us (John 3:16 and Romans 5:8). I'm so glad He gave us alexandrite, another example of His creation that if examined closely with an eye to deeper things than its mere beauty, gives us an example of Him and His Love for us.

If you want to read more about alexandrite just click on the image. If you want to read more about God's Love just pick up the Bible.

NEXT POST: The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Onyx & Sardonyx

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Emerald

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.

In the Exodus Chapter 28 description of the breastplate of Aaron, Emerald was the third stone in the second row and represented the tribe of the seventh son of Jacob, Gad. The tribe of Gad would become known as fierce warriors and great protectors of life. It might be fitting then that a stone whose color represents life would also represent a tribe that would fight valiantly to protect it.

In the Revelation Chapter 21 description of the foundations of the New Jerusalem, Emerald decorates the 4th foundation and represents the apostle John. John and his brother James were the third and fourth disciples called by Jesus. Jesus would call them "Boanerges" which means something like "Sons of Thunder" - perhaps evidence of their zeal and temper, and perhaps of Jesus' sense of humor. John's brother, James, was the first of the apostles to die, where John, on the other hand, was the last. All of the apostles met a violent death, however, John died peacefully in Ephesus, where he pastored a church, at an advanced age around the year 100 AD.

Again, Emerald bearing the color of life, comes to represent (in the 4th foundation on the New Jerusalem) the one who enjoyed the longest life of all the apostles.

While in Ephesus, by order of the Roman emperor Domitian, John was exiled to an island called Patmos. In what is known as the cave of the Apocalypse (located on this island), the sacred text of the book of Revelation was given to the apostle John by Jesus (it is here that John recorded what is written in the New Testament book of Revelation). Other New Testament books accredited to John are the Gospel of John, along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd John.

Ten times in the New Testament, John proclaims Christ’s commandment to love one another. (John 13:34, John 13:35, John 15:12, John 15:17, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:12, 2 John 1:5) It was a message that was important to him and one that should be important to us. The message is that there is no life without love, love for one another and love for Jesus, who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

Emerald is the color of life. Emerald should serve as a reminder that we should (like the tribe of Gad) always fight to protect life, and we should (as Jesus taught and the apostle John wrote) always love, to perpetuate life.

NEXT POST: Alexandrite and Our Never-Changing God

Emerald and Life

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.

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. The name "emerald" comes from the Greek 'smaragdos' via the Old French 'esmeralde', and really just means 'green gemstone'.

Green is the color of life and springtime that brings new life and new opportunities.

The lively luminosity of its color makes the emerald a unique gemstone. However, really good quality is fairly rare, with inclusions often marring the evenness of the color – signs of the turbulent genesis which has characterized this gemstone. Fine inclusions, however, do not by any means diminish the high regard in which it is held. On the contrary: even with inclusions, an emerald in a deep, lively green still has a much higher value than an almost flawless emerald whose color is paler. Affectionately, and rather poetically, specialists call the numerous crystal inclusions, cracks or fissures which are typical of this gemstone 'jardin'. They regard the tender little green plants in the emerald garden as features of the identity of a gem which has grown naturally.

When I think of emerald having the color of life and yet contain inclusions or imperfections within it, I think of what Jesus said in John 16:33 in which He states: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I think of these words because when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we gain life and life eternal. I think we'd agree that is a valuable thing. But just because we gain life and the security that a life in Christ brings, it doesn't mean that life won't come without troubles (i.e. imperfections, inclusions) that can make us want to discount it's value. You read earlier that "Fine inclusions, however, do not by any means diminish the high regard in which it (emerald) is held". Our life with Jesus was so important and valuable to Him that He was willing to suffer and die for us rather than live without us. But it didn't end there. After His resurrection and ascension, He now prepares a place for us to spend eternal life with Him. He conquered sin and death. He overcame the world!

Yes, life has troubles just like emeralds have imperfections, but the value of both life and emeralds is not diminished because of them. Instead, troubles in life and imperfections in emeralds become markers of what has been overcome to bring victory and beauty.

NEXT POST: **The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Emerald

**The Gems of Exodus and Revelation are presented in twelve monthly installments and will explore the similarities between the stones in the ephod (breastplate) of Aaron and the stones of the New Jerusalem, and their relation to Jesus

The Gems of Exodus and Revelation - Jacinth

Let me say on the outset that this was an extremely difficult study given the limited amount of information on both the (original) gem of jacinth and the apostle Simon (the Zealot). But lack of information doesn't mean there's nothing to learn.

Jacinth is one of the few stones mentioned in both the breastplate of Aaron in Exodus chapter 28 and in the foundations of the New Jerusalem in Revelation chapter 21. The Jacinth mentioned in both cases is not the modern (reddish-orange) jacinth, but a blue stone. In Revelation 9: 17 the color of the breastplates of jacinth worn by the horsemen is likened to ‘sapphire’(NRSV). Jacinth is from the Greek word "hyacinth", which is a flower that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is also a name given to a variety of zircon, a precious stone of that flower's color (under oxidizing heat treatment, zircon can range in color from reddish-blue or deep-purple to yellow).

Of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron, Jacinth was the first stone in the third row and represented the tribe of Ephraim. Jacinth will decorate the 11th foundation of the New Jerusalem and represent the apostle Simon (the Zealot).

The tribe of Ephraim was powerful among the other tribes. Shiloh was located in land belonging to the tribe of Ephraim and for a time was home to the Ark of the Covenant. When the ark was removed from Shiloh to Zion the power of Ephraim was humbled. From the settlement of Canaan until the time of David and Solomon, Ephraim had held the place of honor among the tribes. When Jerusalem became the capital of the kingdom, and the center of power and worship for the whole nation of Israel, Ephraim declined in influence.

Let's take a look at Jacinth's placement in the breastplate of Aaron, first in the third row.

In scripture, one, ('ehad' in Hebrew) represents unity and is the quintessential number of monotheism, the worship of one God. This concept of 'one' as a unity of one God is expressed in the opening lines of the first profession of faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4 which reads: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."(NIV)

'One' as a number symbolizes Unity. The number 1 is indivisible and not made up of any other number representing the unity of the One true God in which there is no division. One as an ordinal number denotes primacy, sovereignty, divine completeness or perfection. Christians recognized the number "one" in Scripture as symbolic of the First Person of the Most Holy Trinity, God the Father.

In scripture the number 3 represents that which is solid, real, substantial, and something in its completeness. This number usually indicates something of importance or significance in God's plan of salvation by identifying an important event in Salvation History. This number operates as a "sign-post" in Scripture study for the reader to "pay attention" to the significance of the next event.

Perhaps Jacinth's placement in the breastplate suggests more of what was to come than what was at the time.

Simon the Zealot, (probably given this moniker in order to distinguish him from Simon Peter) may be the most obscure of all the twelve apostles, and that's saying something, given how little some of them have to do in the gospels. Simon the Zealot appears in all the lists of twelve apostles in the synoptic gospels and in Acts (1:13), but that's it. No dialogue or acts are attributed to him anywhere in the gospels, in Acts, or in any of the epistles of the New Testament. The gospels also don't say anything about his background before becoming an apostle or the circumstances under which Jesus called him. But there must be a reason he was called "the zealot". Perhaps he held fast to the scripture that "The Lord our God, The Lord is One", and had difficulty reasoning that Jesus WAS God, and Jesus WAS man. Perhaps he was more like Thomas, doubtful. It's difficult to imagine anyone more 'zealous' than Simon Peter concerning a love for Jesus, but perhaps Simon the Zealot was given to even more enthusiasm than Peter.

I'm afraid we may not know anything conclusive until we are with Jesus in eternity.

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