Topaz

The prophet Ezekiel was shown an image of the pre-fallen state of Satan, when he was the beautiful cherub strolling through paradise. While initially addressed to Tyre’s king whose strings he pulls, Satan is described as being inordinately beautiful:

“You were the seal of perfection,

Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

You were in Eden, the garden of God;

Every precious stone was your covering:

The sardius, topaz, and diamond,

Beryl, onyx, and jasper,

Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.

The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes

Was prepared for you on the day you were created.

 “You were the anointed cherub who covers;

I established you;

You were on the holy mountain of God;

You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.

(Ezekiel 28:12b-14, New King James Version)

This shimmering, dazzling being may have fallen in love with his own mesmerizing appearance instead of looking to the greater One whose light was reflected in these wonderful stones. One of them with which he was encrusted is topaz, which I picture, above. In its natural state it is without colour though trace elements (which we may deem impurities) have lent it this golden yellow hue. Whatever beauty that impure, corrupted being now possesses, his moving away from the source of all light, joy and life only diminished, dulled and deadened that splendour he once enjoyed. That is also true of the pleasures and promises he makes to his followers, both angelic and human. Jewels and precious stones are wondrous to behold, but they might as well be lumps of cement or blocks of tarmac in the darkness, for they cannot be enjoyed except in the light.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

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