Revelation 4:1-6 "The one who sat on the throne had the appearance of jasper and ruby".
When Xavier McCoury put on the glasses his Aunt Celena gave him for his
tenth birthday, he burst into tears. Born colorblind, Xavier had only
ever seen the world in shades of grey, white and black. With his new
EnChroma glasses, however, Xavier saw color for the first time.
His euphoria at witnessing the beauty around him made his family feel like they'd beheld a miracle.
Witnessing God's colorfully radiant brilliance also evoked a powerful
reaction in the apostle John (Revelation 1:17). After encountering the
full glory of the resurrected Christ, John glimpsed "a throne in heaven
with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the
appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald
encircled the throne...
From the throne came flashes of lightning" (Revelation 4:2-5).
In a different time, Ezekiel had a similar vision, seeing "what looked
like a throne of lapis lazuli," with a figure above the throne who
"looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire" (Ezekiel 1:26-27).
This magnificent figure was surrounded with rainbow-like radiance (V.
28).
One day we will meet Christ face-to-face. These visions give us just a
hint of the magnificence that awaits us. As we celebrate the beauty of
God's creation here and now, may we live in anticipation of the glory
yet to be revealed.
Question for group: What response does the colour and beauty of
creation evoke in you? How can you express your gratitude to God for
His wonderful gift?
Shalom,
Dario Western
(Group Owner)