Foundations – Jasper
The first foundation – Jasper
Excerpt From New Book
“And the foundation of the wall of the city having been adorned with every precious stone: The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald…”
Revelation 21:19
In Revelation 21:19 we see that John lays out the twelve precious stones of the foundations of the wall. Every one of those stones speaks of an aspect of the glory and the graces of God in us. The first foundation is the jasper. John said when he saw the throne of God, he saw One that sat upon the throne who was like jasper.
“And at once I became in spirit. And, behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and One sitting on the throne. And the One sitting was in appearance like a jasper stone, and a sardius; and a rainbow was around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.”
Revelation 4:2-3
The first foundation in our life is the character of God Himself. That jasper stone speaks of the immovable character of God and the immutability of His promises to us. We can trust His promises because we have come to know the One who made the promise. Many of God’s people try to embrace the promises of God without knowing the character of God. They are always trying to convince themselves of something. But as you come to know your God, spending time with Him in prayer and communion, you begin to step out of the boat of your own understanding into the storms that God brings. Think about Peter. He stepped out of the boat. Why? Because Jesus was out there and there was a faith that rose and said, “I can trust my God.” As you begin to feel the movements of God in your heart, He is going to call you out of all kinds of boats. The boat may be comfortable, but He is going to call you out into the turbulent waters, and you are going to find that His character sustains you. His grace enables you to walk beyond your own capability. Allow God to establish you by walking in His word, trusting His character and His promises, and He will make you one who is able to stand in the days ahead.
In the book of Isaiah 32:2, God is prophesying of the last days and says, “My people will be a covert…” for others. My people will be a hiding place. My people will be a source of strength and stability to others. You cannot give to others what you do not have yourself. That is why God has invited you into the school of His Spirit, to strengthen and establish you in Himself.
Brian Troxel
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