Go! And Grow in God’s Glory (Emeralds) - Revelation 4:3
Revelation 4:3 (NLT): “And the one who sat there looked like jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald circled the throne, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”
Introduction: The Green Flame of Eternal Life
Picture a rainbow — brilliant, radiant, and full of life. In the heavenly vision of John, this rainbow shines like emerald around God’s throne. Emeralds symbolize life, renewal, and the enduring glory of God.
In today’s message — “Go! And Grow in God’s Glory” — we will explore how emerald imagery teaches us about:
Spiritual growth
God’s restorative work
The vibrant, life-giving nature of Christ
Our call to reflect His glory in a world in need
1. Emeralds Symbolize Life and Renewal
Revelation 4:3 (NLT): “And the one who sat there looked like jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald circled the throne, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”
The word emerald comes from the Greek smaragdos (sµa???d??), meaning green gem. Green in Scripture often points to life, vitality, and hope (Psalm 52:8; Psalm 1:3).
The rainbow around God’s throne reflects His covenant faithfulness (Genesis 9:13), His mercy, and the promise of eternal life. The emerald colour symbolizes the restorative life that flows from God — eternal, unending, and radiant.
Psalm 1:3 (NLT): “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Just as emeralds reflect life, believers rooted in Christ grow and flourish spiritually. The green stone reminds us that spiritual vitality comes from God’s presence.
Max Lucado wrote: “God never wastes a hurt. He redeems, restores, and repurposes every pain into growth.”
Emerald imagery reminds us that God’s grace restores life and brings spiritual fruitfulness even through trials.
In your personal life, identify areas where growth is needed — spiritually, emotionally, or relationally. Let God’s Spirit water your soul so you may flourish like a tree planted by the riverbank.
2. Emeralds Represent God’s Covenant Faithfulness
Genesis 9:13 (NLT): “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with me and the earth.”
The rainbow is God’s promise. Around His throne, it shines like an emerald — the green of life and restoration. Just as God promised never to destroy the earth by flood, He promises to sustain, restore, and bless His people through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT): “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”
Emeralds remind us that God does not change His mind. Every promise He has made finds its “Yes” and “Amen” in Jesus Christ.
The Evergreen Tree
Emeralds, like evergreens, stay vibrant year-round. No matter the season, God’s covenant is faithful. In winter or trial, His promises remain.
Do not despair in difficult seasons. God’s covenant stands firm. Trust Him to bring life and renewal in every circumstance.
3. Emeralds Reflect Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness
Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT): “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Emeralds symbolize growth and fruitfulness. Like a green gemstone formed under pressure, Christians grow spiritually through discipline, obedience, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Emerald Garden
A gardener tends a vibrant green plant, nurturing it daily. Without care, it withers. With care, it thrives. God does the same with His children, cultivating growth through His Word, prayer, and Spirit-led obedience.
R.T. Kendall said: “Spiritual growth is not optional; it is God’s design for your life.”
The emerald reminds us: growth is life, and life is precious. We are called to bear fruit that glorifies God.
Examine your spiritual life. Are you growing? Are you bearing fruit? Ask the Spirit to water your soul, refine your character, and make you fruitful in service and love.
4. Emeralds Point to Christ — The Source of Life
John 10:10 (NLT): “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Emeralds reflect life. Christ is the living water, the eternal life, the abundant life. He renews, restores, and fills us with vitality.
Revelation 22:1–2 (NLT): “Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
The river of life flows from the emerald circle around God’s throne — a symbol of Christ bringing eternal life to all who trust Him.
The Spring of Living Water
A spring gushes in the desert, bringing life where all else is dry. Christ does the same spiritually. In a world parched by sin, He offers refreshment, renewal, and restoration.
John Piper wrote: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
As emeralds shine with vitality, we reflect Christ most when our life is rooted in Him.
The Gospel: Life in Christ
The beauty of emeralds — their green, enduring brilliance — reminds us of the life Christ offers.
Jesus, the eternal Son, bore the pressure of sin, was crucified, buried, and rose again. Through His sacrifice, we receive eternal life and spiritual renewal.
Romans 6:23 (NLT): “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Today, you can receive Christ, be born again, and experience a life that grows, thrives, and bears eternal fruit — a life that shines like an emerald around God’s throne.
Call to Action:
Receive Christ as Lord and Saviour if you haven’t yet.
Commit to spiritual growth, letting the Spirit cultivate the fruit of righteousness in your life.
Trust God’s covenant faithfulness, even under pressure or through trials.
Reflect the life and vitality of Christ to a world that is weary, broken, and thirsty.
Benediction:
May the Lord, the source of life and renewal, water your soul, refine your heart, and cause your life to shine like the emerald glory around His throne. Go now — and grow in God’s glory, bearing eternal fruit for His Kingdom. Amen.
