Consider that these precious gemstones were the best of the best; there was nothing more valuable for an ancient person to conceive of or to pursue further. This combination of jewels, for the Hebrews, was reserved only for Aaron and then the high priests that followed. This splendor was beyond monetary worth; it represented a relationship and a duty that is now available for us all. God’s glory, referring to our intimacy with God, is what is most precious—not the stones that merely represent His preciousness!
Reflect on the magnificent beauty of what is described. It is heaven or is it the Church? Literalists see it as heaven, and the non-literalists see it as the role of the Church; fights are waged over it. But, biblical imagery often has more than one point to convey and this is an example of that. It is both, in my humble opinion; it is heaven as best as mere human words can present it for us, and it is what God asks us to be, to show His splendor for His glory as we lead and manage His church. So, the real issue at stake here it this: do we reflect His glory and holiness or do we stay in the night and darkness? Be the light bearer! This is what our Lord and Savior, who has created heaven for us, asks us to be in the meantime.
Questions to ponder:
- How does your church reflect the glory and holiness of Christ? Or, does your church stay in the night of darkness?
- Chris is the light bearer (John 8:12); what does it mean for you to be the light bearer for Christ? What about your church? Why does the Church fail so significantly with that?
- How does godly character result from endurance? What does our Lord and Savior, who has created heaven for us, ask us to do and be in the meantime?
- Reflect on the magnificent beauty of what is described in this passage. Now, consider and pray about ways you and your church can display His splendor for His glory as you lead and manage His church. When and how will you do this?
© 2007 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.org