In what ways can we reflect God's glory, as seen in Revelation 21:19? A Jewel-Laden Foundation: Seeing the Verse Up Close “ ‘The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,’ ” (Revelation 21:19). - Twelve literal foundations, each gleaming with its own gem, form the base of the New Jerusalem. - Every stone catches and refracts the glory of God’s light (Revelation 21:23). - The wall itself testifies that God builds beauty, strength, and variety into His eternal dwelling. Why the Stones Matter: Snapshots of Glory - Jasper: crystal-clear brilliance—God’s purity (Revelation 4:3). - Sapphire: deep heaven-blue—His transcendence (Exodus 24:10). - Chalcedony: layered translucence—His mysteries revealed in Christ (Colossians 2:2-3). - Emerald: rich green—His life-giving grace (Psalm 23:2). Each gem literally decorates the city and figuratively reminds us that God’s character is multifaceted, yet perfectly unified. Putting It Into Practice: How We Can Shine Like those stones, believers can reflect distinct facets of God’s glory: - Purity: pursue holiness and moral cleanness (1 Peter 1:15-16). - Transparency: live honestly and openly (2 Corinthians 1:12). - Variety of gifts: use diverse abilities for one purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). - Endurance: remain unbroken under pressure, as gems are formed by heat and time (James 1:12). - Placement in community: let God “set” you next to others, forming a strong wall (Ephesians 2:19-22). - Brilliance: actively reflect Christ’s light through good works (Matthew 5:16). - Worship: turn every success back into praise, the way jewels return light to its source (Revelation 4:11). - Witness: speak of His excellencies so others see the glow (1 Peter 2:9). Scripture Connections: Light Echoing Across the Bible - 1 Peter 2:5—“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” - 2 Corinthians 3:18—“We…are being transformed into His image from glory to glory…” - Isaiah 60:1—“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” - Philippians 2:15—“…shine as lights in the world.” - John 13:34-35—love as the defining radiance. Each passage reinforces that God’s people are designed to catch His light and send it outward. Distinct Yet Unified: Each Facet Counts - No two stones in Revelation 21:19 are identical, yet together they form one foundation. - Our differences become a single testimony when aligned by the Master Builder. - Unity does not erase individuality; it harmonizes it for greater brilliance (Romans 12:4-5). Eyes on the City, Feet on the Path The jeweled foundations promise a literal, future home and give a present mandate: let every thought, word, and deed become a polished surface that beams God’s splendor into a dark world until the day we walk those radiant streets (2 Peter 3:11-13). |
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