Stain glass windows have long since been a feature in many architectural designs, and mainly remembered for their presence in Gothic cathedrals and churches. Brilliant colours and glass shapes depict stories and characters of moral or religious value. Expensive to commission and timely to both design and build, stained glass ornamentation is but a supporting actor to the leading lady of light streaming through the glass revealing its coloured glories.
Before the throne of God as described in Revelation 4:6 is ‘as a sea of glass.’ Again, the city, the new Jerusalem is made of gold, ‘as pure as glass’ and ‘as clear as glass’ (21:18, 21). The city’s foundation is made of a rainbow of beautiful hues and colours that would stun even the least easily impressed gallery visitor (21:18-20).
What beauty, what marvels for the eye to behold. And yet, this is but a shadow of the beauty to come. With the Lamb radiating from this city of clear gold and jewels, the already exquisite city becomes radiant with the light and loveliness of the Lord.
We have been granted the right to be called the children of God by Him who is the father of the heavenly lights, from whom all good gifts come (Paraphrase James 1:17, John 1:12). Let us remove the trappings that blind the light from streaming into our hearts, minds and lives. May God illuminate us with His love. May our casting of colour be glorious as we revel in the truth of His word.
We glow as we invite God to shine into the dark corners of our hidden sin and unforgiveness, purifying us from all that keeps us ashamed and separated from a daily saving relationship with Him. Allow the light in so you may live a life full of colour.
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds of a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
Ezekiel 1:28