jasper |ˈjaspər| noun
1 an opaque reddish-brown variety of chalcedony.
2 a kind of hard fine porcelain invented by Josiah Wedgwood and used for Wedgwood cameos and other delicate work.
Other delicate work. What other delicate work is Jasper used for?
Revelation 21:11-13 (NKJV) ” having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. ”
Who is she, dressed in such splendor? Have you ever gone to the ‘Build-a-bear’ store and built yourself or made a gift by building a bear and dressing them in splendor from an array of fabric and jewels? Fun, exciting, I think it is. So, let’s peek into the window of God’s Word and build the ‘City of God’ with our word art for all to see and enjoy.
If you pause and think for a moment of a Jasper Stone, a light, a lamp or eyes shining clear as a crystal? Enjoy taking a tour of this great city by reading Revelation 21.
Let’s build and dress Her for His Glory…..Rev. 21:18 says, “The construction of its wall was of jasper;”
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“But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].”
(Hebrews 11:6, AMP)
I thought of this scripture when I was looking into the window of Rev. 21..I am thinking of “whoever would come near to God….”
Verses 18-20 says: “The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.” Footnotes for 18-21 says: “The picture of walls made of jewels reveals that the new Jerusalem will be a place of purity and durability–it will last forever.”
The City is measured with such exactness and its architectural structure balanced….a perfect cube. ” Its length, breadth, and height are equal.” (vs. 16).
This must be the fullness of the Love of Christ that is spoken about in Ephesians 3:17-19: ”
“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Oh!! And I looked! A door open in Heaven…and the ONE sitting on the throne…. suffused in gems, hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald. And before the the Throne…a clear crystal sea.” (Rev. 4)
You’re right, Sara! Who wants to think of evil, ugly, menacing, sad and horrifying things when we can think on these things….a glorious throne with THE ONE sitting on it and looking upon us, His children, with love.
As I read in a Psalm….”surprised to be loved”
Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. He has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house where The angels tread.
Sara’s mother wrote a song about Heaven that stirs up the fires of desire to be with Father and Son, longingly thinking and yearning for Them.
When you read these words you, too, will long and yearn for HEAVEN.
I WANT TO LIVE IN THAT CITY (C) ADA CRADDOCK
I want to stand on the banks of the river
That’s clear as a crystal, they say
And walk on the streets that are all made of gold
And my Savior’s face I’ll behold….
I want to live in that city
they say is so fair and so bright
Where angels are certainly treading
And the Lamb furnishes the light
I want to dwell in that city
That’s far away up in the sky
Where mansions are ever ready
For immortals to occupy
Yes I want to stay in that city
And to rest in the shade of the trees
Where troubles and trials are left far behind
And we share only glory and praise
I want to live in that city
They say is so fair and so bright
Where angels are constantly treading
And the Lamb furnishes the light!
That says it all….What an eternity to look forward to!
Jasper has been described as ‘Diamond” in some translations of the Scriptures. We know in some cultures the “diamond’ is the the sign and jewel of Pledged Love and commitment.
That’s the pledged, contractual love that God has for His son and His children from before the beginning of creation.
Thanks MG for singing “I want to live in that City” on thedailylily.org. When we sing, praise, speak and think on Our Lord and the beauty of the Kingdom of God it helps with the darkness we see and feel daily.
Keeping ourselves and those around us lifted up and our eyes unto the hills from where our help comes.” I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
I find it so delightful just to pause and think and meditate on the colors that the City of God is made of. How will our eyes behold such beauty if we don’t practice and discipline ourselves to dress and live in the beauty of the city of God.
Let’s make a New Covenant with the Lord ; whatever is lovely, pure, holy, good, beautiful, of good report think on these things. You can imagine the face of Jesus Christ as described in the Scriptures. His eyes are a flame of fire. On His head are many crowns. His hair as white (pure) as wool.
Or this description that the “bride” gives of the Master. ” My King glows with health. He’s one in a million. My golden King is pure and untarnished with raven black curls tumbling across his shoulder. His eyes are soft and bright, brimming with meaning, like wells of water. His face is rugged, his beard smells like sage. His voice is reassuring. Everything about Him is a delight. That’s our King, our Messiah, our Bridegroom to us the Bride of Christ. (Song of Sol.)
And we’re going to live with Him forever, in THAT CITY!
As Sara’s mother’s song sings, so does Revelation 21:23:”The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
No walking in darkness, no deeds done in darkness allowed through the beautiful gates….only the Light. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
I John 1:5
All this beauty would have a coat check counter @the door I would think; reading no spot or wrinkle on clothing will enter in from this point on.
“…present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27
“The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones:” (Needles gives names of stones above) Will there be names written in the walls?
Heavenly Graffiti….inscribed on the 12 gates of the city, the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. And on the 12 foundations of the city is inscribed the
names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. But we know one of the names of the original 12 will NOT be on those foundations…he who betrayed the Lamb of God.
Our names are written in the BOOK of Life which will be opened at the last.
“And I saw a great white throne and Him Who sat on it, from Whose presence the earth the the heavens fled away there was not place for for them (the heavens & earth).
Then I saw the dead small and great stand before the throne and the BOOKS were opened and another book was opened which is the book of life and the dead were judged by those things which were written in the books accoriding to their works
And whoever was NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the lake of fire.”
If we think we are getting away with any secret sin….Oh people!!! it is not worth it. We are not getting away with anything. We MUST strive to keep the Word of GOD like on the “GREEN PAPERS, as reiterated by the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, (of the Word of God) that Gary presetned to us (on green paper). As Sara says, we’re going “green”.
To Sara’s question, “Will there be names written in the walls?”
Does I Peter 2:4 help give an answer? ” Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
If we are these ‘living stones’, then our chief, ‘precious’, cornerstone in this Heavenly City is Jesus. Scripture says we are inscribed on the palms of His hands, so if we are the overcomers and abiding in Him,this may say there are names written on the walls.
I Corinthians 2:9 says: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”
Read with me the footnotes for this verse: “We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity. He will create a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1), and we will live with him forever. Until then, his Holy Spirit comforts and guides us. Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation. This world is not all there is. The best is yet to come.”
Remember: “THE BEST IS YET TO COME”!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, Needles, we can look forward to the best to come as you have encouraged us above.
That’s what Abraham did:
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:10
reminds me of one of my favorite choruses about this Heavenly City. I don’t know the author, but it is based on Psalm 87:
“City, Oh City, Oh City of God!
Glorious things are spoken of you. (2x)
Such glorious things are spoken of you.
City, Oh City, Oh City of God
Glorious things are spoken of you.
This one and that one were born in her;
All my springs of joy are in you. (2x)
Singers and dancers together say:
All our springs of joy are in you. (2x)”
For those “lilies” who are not acquainted with the Westminster Confession of Faith, (which I was NOT, either, prior to Gary’s presenting us with it), I will highlight some points presented in the CONFESSION or profession as one may better understand….a profession of Faith. The WCF, as I will refer to it, explains the 9th commandment of the Lord God Almighty…THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.
These are just some of the stipulations if we want to be obedient to the commandment and ‘love our neighbor as ourselves.’
The duties required in the 9th commandment are: Promoting and preserving the truth between and among our fellow man and his/her good name. Standing for truth from the heart. Sincerely and clearly speaking the truth and only the truth in matters of judgment, justice AND ALL OTHER THINGS. Esteeming our neighbor, loving and rejoicing in their GOOD name; Freely acknowledging their gifts and graces; defending their innocence and being unwilling to receive a bad report about them. Not flattering or slandering but keeping our promises. And always studying and practicing of whatsoever things are pure, true, honest, lovely and of good report.
Those are just SOME of the duties that confirm the obedience to the 9th commandment. This is quite a list of duties that a true, born-again, Spirit-filled Christian is enabled to do and keep because of the Holy Spirit Who lives within our spirits. This is the GREEN PAPERS !
Next time we will discuss the sins that are against the 9th commandment of the Lord God Almighty. As we study and endeavor to obey what the Lord has taught us in His word, the Sermon on the Mount and in His Gospels the spots and wrinkles will begin to fade. Our Souls’ complexions will clear up and we will be prepared as a beautiful BRIDE OF CHRIST.
When I think about the adorning of the Bride, I think about some of the garments she is adorned with such as salvation, praise, humility, righteousness, etc.
“I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. ” Isaiah 61:10
I Peter 5:5 …All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”
“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair. “Isaiah 61:3
Preparation time is now for in Revelation 21:2 it says the holy city, New Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven ‘prepared’.
And another description of ‘the Bride” From Psalm 45…” Your wedding dress is dazzling, lined with gold by the weavers as are ALL of your dresses, gowns and robes. You are all glorious within… no spot or wrinkle..a prcession of joyous companions accompany the BRIDE….a glorious entrance into the KING’S Palace.”
I can’t think of anything better than fellowshipping with the saints and God at his banqueting table which reminds me ofHis Banner Over Me is Love
He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep,
His banner over me is love.
He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep,
His banner over me is love.
He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!
He is the Vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
He is the Vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
He is the Vine and we are the branches,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!
He calls us to His Banqueting Table,
His banner over me is love.
He calls us to His Banqueting Table,
His banner over me is love.
He calls us to His Banqueting Table,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love!
Return to the Songbook
Thinking of dressing Build a Bear I also think of heaven. As we enter heaven we put on he clothing of total healing which reminds me of another song:
Words: Fanny Cros by, 1885.
There is healing at the fountain,
Come and find it, weary soul,
There your sins may all be covered;
Jesus waits to make you whole.
Refrain
Oh the fountain! blessèd healing fountain!
I am glad ’tis flowing free;
Oh the fountain! precious, cleansing fountain!
Praise the Lord, it cleanseth me.
There is healing at the fountain,
Look to Jesus now and live,
At the cross lay down thy burden;
All thy wanderings He’ll forgive.
Refrain
There is healing at the fountain,
Precious fountain filled with blood;
Come, oh come, the Savior calls you,
Come and plunge beneath its flood.
Refrain
Sara’s statement above “…eyes shining clear as a crystal…” must mean that to be a part of The Bride our eyes must see Him clearly and must be clear windows to our heart for others to see Him in us clearly. Being obedient to Him must bring the shining eyes.
“The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalm 19:8
I’ve heard that the eyes are the lamp to the soul. Jesus’ focus was to do the work of the Father – no division – no cataracts’ blocking what God had for him to do. His lamp drew men unto Him due to his clear message. Lord we would ask that our eyes be made clear and that we would join Jesus in our undivided focus on the Father. We additionally can pray from the Message
Philippians 3:12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
I want to be in that city with all those crystal eyes focused on the King of King and Lord or Lords.