Sapphire

I own a small block of sapphire, measuring almost 2 inches in length, 1 in width and a half in depth. Because it is both uncut and unpolished, however, it is worth little. Ironically, cutting bits away would probably increase its value, so it is a wonderful picture of the Christian's sanctification. As we decrease and He increases, our sinful nature is cut away and what remains is polished and made beautiful.

In Exodus 24:10, we read that ‘…they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.’ Similarly, Ezekiel 1:26 describes the throne itself:

‘And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.’

Both the pavement for His feet and the throne of His authority somehow resemble the blue stone. The heavenly sapphire is not like mine; it is clear and beautiful, not dull and rectangular. Yet I pray that as the Lord keeps working on us, chipping, cutting, removing, polishing; then we are rendered not only fit for His presence, but suitable to reflect His honour and glory.

A D