March 2: THE JOY OF THE LORD
The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. Revelation 21:18
Today as we read more of John’s description of the New Jerusalem, we see him coming back around to the subject of its radiant beauty, due to having the glory of God (v.11). John’s earnest efforts to describe what he has been shown represent a struggle. For one thing, he has seen very little in his earthly life to even remotely compare to the splendors witnessed in the divine vision. And for another, the fact that he was carried away in the Spirit (v.10) must have meant that he was miraculously aided to gaze upon—to behold at length—the fiery magnificence that no regular human eye could take in without being blinded. It is probably safe to say that all of the attempts made by our dear brother John to convey in human language the grandeur that he beheld are mere understatements.
The gemstone called jasper was one of twelve stones in the specifications for the breastplate of the high priest of the earthly sanctuary. This breastplate was a representation of the one worn by our heavenly High Priest. The various precious stones, worn over His heart as He ministers on behalf of His people, are a silent expression of love and a symbol for the closeness with which He regards those who choose to come to [Him] (Matthew 11:28). The idea of a wall… of jasper around the Holy City suggests that the city’s inhabitants are literally surrounded by God’s love; a love so real that it is solidly manifested in a tangible way.
John goes on to say the city was pure gold. As John describes the brilliancy of the city’s glistening beauty, we are reminded of the deep concern of the Savior for the character of the people who name His name as a banner over themselves, especially in the earth’s final days. He says to each of us today, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich” (3:18). To buy something means there is a payment or trade. But we cannot buy anything from the Lord with our money. He is asking us to unreservedly trade our troubles, sorrows, faults, rebellion, and all sins for His salvation. He is anxious to give to each of us, in the place of those things, the quality of character that all citizens of Heaven must possess. This includes His pure and perfect peace. He wants us to rest fully in His provision of grace for holy living. There are things worth more than gold: I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold! (Psalm 119:127) and our genuine faith. *
Like clear glass, nothing will block the saints’ view of their God and Savior, their Creator and Redeemer. His glory is a light of such brilliance that it fills the entire city as well as the hearts of all of its inhabitants. Gazing into the eyes of the Savior will be our greatest joy and the fulfillment of every longing. But, even more amazing is His view of His inheritance (Exodus 15:17; 1 Kings 8:53; Psalm 28:9; 106:5; Ephesians 1:18). He will see in our eyes His own reflection. Our firm decision to follow Him is destined to become His profound joy: THE JOY OF THE LORD!
* . . . though now, for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.;1 Peter 1:6b-7 (see also Ezra 6:22 and Nehemiah 8:10)