The Color of Worship - Orange

 

Ligure, or Jacinth, is the ninth stone used on the breastplate of the high priest. On this stone is engraved the tribe of Issachar. It is mainly of an orange to orange-red shade, a brilliant bold orange. This gemstone is the eleventh foundation in the wall of the new Jerusalem. 

    The color of this stone is associated with warfare, though Issachar's name means, "God has rewarded me" or God Rewards". His blessing from Jacob states that he would choose to farm the land given him, have a desire to settle down and work hard to achieve stability, and have a willingness to serve others. In Judges 5:15, Issachar follows on the heels of Barak, as they both run together into the fray, into the battle. His lack of selflessness (desire to serve others and not himself) and determination to overcome Israel's enemies were a result of his blessing from Jacob. 

    1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us that 200 men of the tribe of Issachar were politically savvy: "they understood the times". They were aware of their enemies and prepared in advance how to defend Israel and how to attack Israel's enemies. They paid attention to the moral, political and cultural changes and challenges around them. These men of Issachar are men of spiritual discernment and godly wisdom. They are men of strategic thinking, always alert and watchful. They are the example of how the Christian should be prepared for spiritual warfare. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 describes the armament of the Spiritual Warrior in the order in which it is applied to us.  

1.  Be Strong in The Lord {Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 28:7; Isaiah 41:10} and in the power of His might {Ephesians 1:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 40:29-31}, the tunic under our armor [vs 10]

2. Put on The Full Armor of God, which enables us to stand against the wiles (the deceptions and calculated treachery) of the devil. [vs 11-13]

3. Girdle ( belt, sash) of Truth around our waist, preparing ourselves for action[vs 14]

4. Breastplate of Righteousness, akin to the breastplate of the high priest, which for the believer symbolizes the righteousness of Christ over our hearts, making it possible for enter into God's holy presence [vs 14]

5. Shoes of the preparation of the gospel of Peace on our feet, showing our preparedness {1 Peter 3:15, 16} in obeying Christ's command in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every living creature." 

6. Shield of Faith which quenches fiery darts [vs 16] 

7. Helmet of Salvation [vs 17] {1 Thessalonians 5:8}

8. Sword of The Spirit, which is The Word of God [vs 17]

9. Praying always in The Spirit, Watching with perseverance [vs 18]

10. Speak the words which tell of the mystery (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) of the gospel in boldness, [vs 19]

~birth of Christ foretold-Isaiah 9:6, 

~Jesus is born - Matthew 2:1, 2. 

~Crucifixion foretold - Isaiah 52:14-Isaiah 53:9

~Jesus' trial and crucifixion - Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John Luke 18:28-19:30

~Resurrection foretold - Isaiah 27:19, Matthew 16:21;26:32, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, John 5:24-29

~Jesus walks out of the grave - Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-9, Luke 24:1-12, John 20

11. Preach freely and boldly,  fearlessly and without care for one's self, but with the goal to share Jesus with as many people as we can before our days end [vs 20]