The Carnelian Throne

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. (Revelation 4:1-3 ESV). D. L. Moody tells a wonderful story of a poor old widow, living in the Scottish Highlands: “She was called upon one day by a gentleman who had heard that she was in need. The old lady complained of her condition, and remarked that her son was in Australia and doing well. “But does he do nothing to help you?” inquired the visitor. “No, nothing,” was the reply. “He writes me regularly once a month, but only sends me a little picture with his letter.” The gentleman asked to see one of the pictures that she had received, and found each one of them to be a draft for ten pounds. This is the condition of many of God’s children. He has given us many “exceeding great and precious promises,” which we either are ignorant of or fail to appropriate. Many of them seem to be pretty pictures of an ideal peace and rest, but are not appropriated as practical helps in daily life. And not one of these promises is more neglected that the assurance of salvation. An open Bible places them within reach of all, and we may appropriate the blessing which such a knowledge brings.” When I read that story I was drawn to the text of our reading today. John has been drawn to the threshold of heaven and looks over into the vastness of eternity and sees the throne of God. He doesn’t really have words to describe the incredible sight, so he uses the imagery of his experience. He sees a throne that is like one built from “jasper and carnelian.” Jasper was one of the hardest of materials in his day. He sees the throne as incorruptible, hard in its nature. It is not something that is going to need any maintenance. It is sustained by the eternal nature of the God who sits upon it. But then he uses carnelian. This gem is also known as “sardius.” It is a deep fiery red gemstone. It represents great value. It’s strange to me how often we forget the vastness of God’s resources. As deep as we may reach we will never find the bottom of his resource. I wonder how often we have assumed that God either could not, or would not help us in our need because we had gone too far; our problems were too great. Please be encouraged. God is already sending you regular provisions. Your cry is not unheard by your heavenly Father. He hears and responds with only your best in mind. Trust in Him each day!