Our first excerpt from this book began with research I was doing and sharing over at Hubpages.com: Jasper
The link above can be clicked on to access research links given in one of the sidebars to the research article that spawned this excerpt.
Jasper – The Sixth Stone in Aaron’s Breastplate
Jasper, as its commonly called, or Fire Opal as some have referred to it, is the sixth stone in Aaron’s Breastplate, the 8th stone in the foundations of New Jerusalem. Keep in mind these are the most commonly agreed upon placements among an incredibly diverse scholarly, theological, historical and archaeological spectrum of gemology, and history in both Jewish and Christian research and definitions. As in other discussion so far where more than one stone is suggested, it’s interesting to look at their various similarities as to why they were chosen.
Make-up and Characteristics
Jasper is called such, largely due to its Hebrew and Greek wording. The Greek translation of the Hebrew word comes out as Isapis, commonly interpreted as Jasper into English. Once again we see the availability of this stone in the time of the Hebrews fleeing Egypt, as there is a yellow-red Jasper gem known as “Egyptian Jasper”. This stone is said to be both opaque, and strongly yellow and red in colour. It’s considered one of the more sensitive or softer stones at 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Fire Opal is also considered an orange-red stone, and as a result, one of the more flashy and eye-catching stones in the Opal family. It is said to be found in Ethiopia and ranges a 6-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Apparently, due to the fact the Fire Opal has a high water content, it is a difficult stone to prepare, age, or treat in any way. Some stones will go cloudy if the water content has in some way left the stone. This stone is also known to dry out and crack too. So we see availability to the Egyptians who showered the Hebrews with precious things as they fled. We see very similar colourations in the two stones, and we see similar softness.
Zebulun and Peter – Associations with the Stone
Various meanings of Zebulun’s name are “exaltation”, “habitation”, “to exalt” “home” and “honour”. Zebulun’s lot in the Promised Land was to settle on the coast. It is said that Zebulun’s sea ports were a welcome sight to sailors.
Peter’s name of course, means “Rock” as his full name was actually Simon-Peter. Peter is known in the Gospels for having a fiery personality, a “speak first, think later” attitude, and fierce loyalty! He was present when the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 in the Upper Room, and became instrumental in the Early Church.
What does this mean for the Bride of Christ?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Romans 9:30-33 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Christ our Rock is our habitation. Indeed we are to honour and exalt His place in our lives. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is fire, which is often drawn artistically using red, orange, and yellow colours, all of which are represented by the stones discussed here. Our hearts are to be Christ’s home, and He says in the Scriptures:
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:9-13 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
It is the Holy Spirit who has been sent to come alongside us and prepare us for that wedding day in the sky! He is the One who opens our eyes and illuminates our hearts to the teachings of Christ and all we are to do to prepare ourselves for that day.
Our lives are to be marked by the Fire of the Holy Spirit, built on the Rock, which is Christ Himself.
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