The Divine Invitation: Understanding the Significance of the Sapphire Stone in God's Presence

My Dad was a jeweler and loved the precious stones of the Bible.

• There were 12 in the High Priest's ephod, and Dad knew them all and could expound upon each.

• The Sapphire symbolizes purity and holiness. It reminds us that God is majestic. and beautiful.

• Ezekiel sees a throne made of sapphire, depicting God's sovereignty. and Isaiah’s as a foiundaiont off the New Jerusalem,.

The Bible shows the sapphire to us as a symbol of the enduring nature of God’s kingdom.

Logan Sapphire with Diamonds, Public Domain

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The story in Exodus shows us that God invites us to draw near to Him, even when we feel fear or hesitation. This isn’t just a call to worship but an invitation to experience His presence intimately. The sapphire stone, described as the floor beneath God’s feet, adds profound significance to this moment. In this post, we’ll dive into the meaning behind this divine invitation and the sapphire stone’s role in God’s relationship with His people.

The Context of the Invitation

In Exodus 24, God calls Moses* (1571-1451 BC), Aaron* (1571-1452 BC), Nadab, Abihu, (Aaron's sons)and seventy elders of Israel to approach Him. This moment is crucial because it moves the people from fear to communion. They had just witnessed God’s immense power, which left them in awe. However, God’s desire for a relationship with them reigns supreme.

An asterisk* after a name means the person is in SPIRITUAL LIVES.

“Discover more about God and stories of faith. Read more on my website: https://kenkalis.com”

The sapphire stone beneath God's feet symbolizes purity and holiness. It reminds us that while God is majestic, He also yearns to be seen and known by us. In fact, studies show that over 70% of believers feel closer to God when participating in communal worship, highlighting the intimacy this invitation offers.

A close-up view of a sapphire stone reflecting light

The Significance of the Sapphire Stone

The sapphire stone holds significant spiritual weight. In biblical times, sapphire was linked to the divine. It was considered a symbol of heaven and glory. When the elders saw the God of Israel, they caught a glimpse of the heavenly realm through this stone. This experience enabled them to understand God’s beauty and the holiness that surrounds Him.

The sapphire stone also appears elsewhere in scripture. In Ezekiel 1:26, the prophet sees a throne made of sapphire, depicting God's sovereignty. Similarly, in Isaiah’s vision of the New Jerusalem, sapphire forms part of its foundation, symbolizing the enduring nature of God’s kingdom. These examples reinforce the sapphire's representation of God's power and eternal beauty.

A high angle view of a serene landscape with a sapphire blue sky

The Call to Worship

At the heart of this passage is God’s invitation to worship. He encourages Moses* and the elders to approach Him with reverence and humility. This act of worship is more than a ritual; it marks our acknowledgment of God’s holiness and our dependence on His grace.

Moses* plays a vital role here. He relays God’s messages to the people, who respond with a unified decision to obey. This moment emphasizes the importance of community in worship. According to research, 65% of Christians report that attending church strengthens their faith. When we gather, we reaffirm not just our individual devotion but also our collective identity as God’s people.

When the people witnessed the divine and participated in the covenant with the sprinkling of blood, it symbolized their commitment to the relationship. This act points to Jesus Christ’s* (4BC-30AD) ultimate sacrifice, reminding us that true worship entails a cost.

An eye-level view of a tranquil altar surrounded by nature

The Experience of God's Presence

The elders' moment of seeing God remains a significant highlight in biblical history. They were privileged to witness the divine, and their response was to share a meal in His presence. This act represents fellowship with God, reinforcing that He desires closeness with us.

What did they see? John Gill (1697-1771) writes they saw the Son of God, the God of Israel, in an human form, as a pledge and presage of his future incarnation.

John Wesley (1703-1791) expounds,

They saw the God of Israel - That is, they had some glimpse of his glory, in light and fire, though they saw no manner of similitude. They saw the place where the God of Israel stood, ... They saw not so much as God's feet, but at the bottom of the brightness they saw a most rich and splendid pavement, as it had been of sapphires, azure, or sky - coloured. The heavens themselves are the pavement of God's palace, and his throne is above the firmament.

Wonderful as it was, this experience also carries a weight of awe and respect. The sapphire stone symbolizes God’s holiness, urging us to approach Him with humility. In our lives, we, too, are invited to engage with God through worship, prayer, and scripture reading. Just as the elders were called to come near, we can bring our worries and uncertainties to Him, finding comfort in His love and grace.

A Lasting Invitation

The invitation God extended to the people of Israel serves as a timeless reminder. It shows His desire to be known and felt in our lives. The sapphire stone, symbolizing His holiness and majesty, prompts us to think about our relationship with Him.

As you consider the significance of this encounter, draw closer to God. Embrace the chance to worship and experience His presence today. Just as the elders witnessed God’s glory, we can seek encounters with Him in our daily lives, discovering hope, peace, and purpose through His divine invitation.

In life’s distractions and uncertainties, remember that God continues to seek us, welcoming us to experience the beauty of His presence.

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Has He found you?

He knows you and loves you and stands at your heart's door knocking.

Have you opened the door? Here is what He promises:

if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. - Jesus in Revelation 3:20.

This promise is for you!

Come, Je­sus, from the sap­phire throne,

Where Thy re­deemed be­hold Thy face,

Enter this tem­ple, now Thine own,

And let Thy glo­ry fill the place.

We praise Thee that today we see

Its sac­red walls before Thee stand;

’Tis Thine for us—’tis ours for Thee;

Reared by Thy kind, as­sist­ing hand.

Oft as re­turns the day of rest,

Let heart­felt wor­ship here as­cend;

With Thine own joy fill ev­ery breast,

With Thine own pow­er Thy word at­tend.

Here, in the dark and sor­row­ing day,

Bid Thou the throb­bing heart be still;

O wipe the mourn­er’s tears away,

And give new strength to meet Thy will.

When round this board Thine own shall meet,

And keep the feast of dy­ing love,

Be our com­mun­ion ev­er sweet,

With Thee, and with Thy Church ab­ove.

Come, faith­ful Shep­herd, feed Thy sheep;

In Thine own arms the lambs en­fold;

Give help to climb the heav­en­ward steep,

Till Thy full glo­ry we be­hold.

Words: Ray Palm­er, 1875.