Little by little we are learning about a Heavenly City, that shall some day come down to earth, being called “New Jerusalem.” Revelation chapter 21 is our primary Source for the data we’re discussing. And today we’ve reached verse number 10. This wonderful Place is further described as: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”
Since God will live in this City, dwelling with saved mankind, His “GLORY” will be one of the most apparent features of this Holy Place. (How do we know God will live here? “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and HE WILL DWELL with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3, studied last week. Also archived here for you to read again if necessary.)
This City, so invested with the Glory of God, will be well lighted! The Greek noun for “glory” is “doxa,” theologically meaning “all the attributes of God combined!” A secondary meaning is the very “Aura, Brilliance, Splendor” of God’s Presence! He radiates Light. He IS Light! (Jesus in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.“)
Paul, in Second Thessalonians 2:8, tells about the Power of our Lord at His future Return to earth, particularly emphasizing “the brightness of his coming.”
And later in Revelation, John amplifies this truth. No “sun” in New Jerusalem, unnecessary! “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for THE LORD GOD GIVETH THEM LIGHT: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5
Today’s verse then merely describes that Light, to an observer. Here’s our “text” again: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”
A “jasper” stone is identified in our verse as being “clear as crystal.” The Greek noun here derives from “kruos,” their word for “frost!” Some commentators liken this jewel to the “diamond” of our day.
Perfect Light, for evermore!
Once Jesus showed His Disciples (3 of them) His inherent Light! “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AS THE LIGHT.” Matthew 17:1-2, amazing!
Here’s Mark’s account, same Event. “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AS THE LIGHT.” Mark 9:2-3
And Luke writes: “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AND GLISTERING.” Luke 9:28-29
All I can say, Jesus will “light” that Holy City!
We have so much to enjoyably anticipate, don’t we?
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Don’t forget that after Moses had spend 40 days in the presence of God, on Mount Sinai, his face literally “shined!” Radiated the Glory of God! “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE while he (God) talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE; and they were afraid to come nigh him.” Exodus 34:29-30
Wow!