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And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 21:21 NASB
Gold – You’ve heard the advertisements, I’m sure. “In a volatile economy, gold is your only real safety net.” “Gold! It has never been worth nothing. Experts say it may even double in the next years.” “Gold is security in times of trouble.” “Buy now before it’s too late!” Whenever we think of gold, we think of value. We think of riches. We think like the people of this earth. But John’s vision paints a little different image.
First, we must notice that whatever kind of gold John has in mind, it’s like nothing we have ever seen. I know of no pure gold that is transparent like glass. In fact, I can’t even imagine such a substance. As far as I know, glass and gold don’t mix. So whatever John saw, it wasn’t like anything on this earth. That should tell us to pay attention to the fact that this is apocalyptic literature, a genre that uses many, many symbols to represent other things.
Secondly, before you get excited about tearing up this street and carrying home a piece of gold for yourself, notice what this gold is used to construct. This is the heavenly version of the Yellow Brick Road. And that’s exactly what gold is good for in heaven – making bricks for the road. In other words, heavenly gold has the same value as mud (what bricks were made of in the first century). In fact, it is so plentiful that even the streets are made of gold. If this is the case, what is the “street” value of gold? Not much. How much would you give for a piece of the sidewalk in front of your house? Anything?
Clearly what John saw isn’t anything like the gold that we so admire. The imagery is all symbolic. When you get to heaven, you may in fact find a street of transparent gold (whatever that is), but it won’t be valuable enough to take to the bank. What is of value in heaven is not reflected in what we consider valuable here on earth.
If John isn’t writing about any kind of gold we know, then what is this all about? Perhaps John’s imagery is simply to express the magnificence of this vision. Perhaps it’s only about how overwhelmingly beautiful the new Jerusalem will be. Who really knows? That’s the problem with apocalyptic literature. Its symbolic structure allows multiple interpretations which fit nearly any age. The purpose of apocalyptic literature is not to provide us with a timetable of the future or even the contents of some coming world. The purpose of apocalyptic literature is to offer hope. Things will be better. Things will be restored. Justice will prevail. And when hope is fulfilled, it will be like walking on streets of gold. Something unimaginable is coming. Something glorious. Something amazing. Just wait. You’ll see.
If you thought heaven was there to fill your bank account, you missed the point. Try reading John’s vision as the imagery of hope and resolution. And leave the bricks alone.
Topical Index: gold, street, apocalyptic, Revelation 21:21
My comment is not insightful – was just singing the song “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves in my head as I read this and thought how nice it would be to add sound clips to some of Skip’s daily prose. If the purpose of the literature is to offer hope, the song to me reinforces the purpose with an upbeat refreshing tune.
DOUGP – SKIP DOES THAT SOMETIMES HIMSELF & SO DOES MICHAEL – OFFERS A SONG WITH THE ARTICLE OR COMMENT/RESPONSE TO IT & ALSO CYNDEE & CARL & I DO THAT ALSO…
YES, YES, YES – OUR BLESSED HOPE… ♥
“The purpose of apocalyptic literature is to offer hope. Things will be better. Things will be restored. Justice will prevail. And when hope is fulfilled, it will be like walking on streets of gold. Something unimaginable is coming. Something glorious. Something amazing. Just wait. You’ll see.”
My first reaction to today’s teaching caused me laugh with joy. Just kind of silly, carefree joy. Not over pavement, but with the truth of: “Things will be restored. Justice will prevail.” and all the other good stuff you said.
Your teachings make me do mini-Biblestudies.
(To me), it doesn’t seem John is tossing random descriptive terms. Rev 21 An angel says to him, “come, I will show you”
In Rev. 11 He is given a rod to measure out the city, and he specifically describes the wall of heaven as being composed of Jasper and the city itself also of gold (21 v.18). He also describes the foundations of the city walls being comprised of many specific precious stones and jewels (v.19-20). So with these other specifics in mind, the description of golden streets is likely really there, it goes with the rest of John’s eyewitness description.
However, as you say, “Who really knows?”
Mined gold doesn’t look as pretty as it finally looks when made into jewelry. I hear it takes a lot of purifying. For gold to be purified unto a state of transparency–whoa, that’s a lot of “pure and undefiled”.
God’s city is pure and undefiled just like the citizens He allows there. Also it might mean “nothing anymore hidden”, every thought, everything just at face value. Honesty. Even out thoughts so pure that we will never wish we didn’t think one of them . . .God sees thru everything now, and we will be able to as well. (Don’t know why that is important.) But I like to imagine walking on a transparent highway, — right past our feet we’d see the other things in the magnificant starry universe
Jotting notes:
1. Maybe its so that even the streets anf city wall will reflect the blaze of God’s glory, . . . to me that is unexpected, stunning imagery . .
2. Gold/money certainly has no value in heaven. Heaven is for worshipping in community. Our thinking is upside down now, and God likes to set things right side up. So gold = asphalt.
3. It is in stark contrast with the earthly scene. Down here men worship gold and they trod on the things of God, but in heaven we’ll worship God and literally walk on gold.
I guess things can be actual and still have a symbolic meaning, too, right?
The gates will stay open. Then why have them? Could be a forever reminder that no outside forces can oppose us and that we are so safe in Christ’s arms that there is no need for additional fortification. (Jesus IS all we need)
and there are likely 1500 more applications, God’s Holy Word Bible is d e e p and wide. I like the walking on sunshine idea, too. There the sun isn’t needed anymore, who knows but the heart of all the suns may be purified gold and God will grind them up to pave heaven with. He can if He wants to!
“Things will be restored. Justice will prevail.”
Hmmm
That’s the vision, to be sure; one often wonders in moments of doubt and pain
I think you know the multitude of ways that people leave the path – to the right and to the left – with prophetic/apocalyptic literature. I know that there are a million on one ways to interpret the imagery, but there is a correct way.
However, given the overall tone of scripture — the revelation will not be about who gets what chip and by which government — but a deepening of themes God has already presented more plainly – a call to righteousness and a warning of judgment.
Also, I have heard it said that this literature is NOT supposed to help us predict so much,… but so that when things happen – we will know THEN that God knew in advance and our faith will bee strengthened.
Much like the prophecies of the Messiah — the wise men were few — but many were strengthened after by seeing the fulfillment of scripture.
~ But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us ~ (Romans 5.5)
May we “pull over and park” here? I would like to stop and stare at this for awhile… -ponder, if you please.. (I ponder as I wander..)
Hope does not disappoint? Oh? (as my wife is wont to say… Oh?) “Hope” does not disappoint? What is hope? What, my friends is “biblical” hope? Is it..- “I hope I get a puppy for Christmas” hope? Wishy-washy wishful-wasteful wanton thinking on our part? No. Not at all.
Biblical hope, scriptural hope is “confident expectation.” -And my hope, (our hope) is in the LORD. This is hope (in HD) – What He says, What God says, He will do, for God not only promises,- He also “performs.”
How do I know this? How does anyone know the future?- (remember?) We look to the past. We are rowing backwards into the future, and aligning ourselves with the markers (events) that have already taken place in the past.
Notice please, some not-so “ancient” history. God has a history of delivering (saving) His people, the ones who are called by His Name. His-story in reader’s digest format. #1 Crisis- God delivers. #2 Crisis- God delivers. #3 Crisis- God delivers. – Now here, kids, are three “examples” of the deliverance/salvation (same word) of YHWH. But wait!- there’s more! So much more. “Need more than three,” doubting Thomas? What about 4,5,6,7,or 8? Just how many times would it take, Mr. HardHeart? and do you- (yes, you Mr./M’am) have an “up close and personal” history of God’s intervention- deliverance-salvation- God’s faithful provision in your life? – Not to worry, if you don’t, you will. God will see to it. (I guarantee it!). – It’s going to happen, if it hasn’t already- there will be sufficient tribulation and there will be abundant salvation. Friends- can you testify? “Been there. Done that?” – And yes, (amen!) God showed up- as He Who is “always Faithful” does- right on time. Have you (also) “proved” the scriptures to be true?- “He Who has promised is Faithful?”
May we review-remember-recognize and realize this? “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is Faithful.” (Hebrews 10.23) Whose very Name is “Faithful and True? ~~ But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us ~ (Romans 5.5)
May we “pull over and park” here? I would like to stop and stare at this for awhile… -ponder, if you please.. (I ponder as I wander..)
Hope does not disappoint? Oh? (as my wife is wont to say…) Oh? “hope” does not disappoint? What is hope? What, my friends is “biblical” hope? Is it.. “I hope I get a puppy for Christmas” hope? Wishy-washy wishful-wasteful thinking on our part? No. Not at all.
Biblical hope, scriptural hope is “confident expectation.” -And my hope, (our hope) is in the LORD. What He says, What God says, He will do, for God not only promises,- He also “performs.”
How do I know this? How does anyone know the future?- (remember?) We look to the past. We are rowing backwards into the future, but aligning ourselves with the markers (events) that have already taken place in the past.
Notice please, some not-so “ancient” history. God has a history of delivering (saving) His people, the ones who are called by His Name. His-story in reader’s digest format. #1 Crisis- God delivers. #2 Crisis- God delivers. #3 Crisis- God delivers. – Now here, kids, are three “examples” of the deliverance/salvation (same word) of YHWH. But wait!- there’s more! So much more. “Need more than three,” doubting Thomas? What about 4,5,6,7,or 8? Just how many times would it take, Mr. HardHeart? and do you- (yes, you Mr./M’am) have an “up close and personal” history of God’s deliverance, God’s faithful provision in your life? – Not to worry, if you don’t, you will. God will see to it. (I guarantee it!). – It’s going to happen, if it hasn’t already- there will be sufficient tribulation and there will be abundant salvation. Friends- can you testify? “Been there. Done that?” – And yes, (amen!) God showed up- as He Who is “always Faithful” does- right on time. Have you (also) “proved” the scriptures to be true?- “He Who has promised is Faithful?”
May we review this? May we recognize and realize this? “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is Faithful.” (Hebrews 10.23) Whose very Name is “Faithful and True? ~Then I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war~ (Revelation 19.11)
If we are to believe the Biblical narrative, there are three things that remain, abide or endure. These three, are our three-fold umbilical cord of life, “faith, hope and love.” ~ Right now, (yes, in the “here and now”) three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. ~ (1 Corinthians 13.13)
My hope (confident expectation) is that He will teach us to love one another with a pure heart fervently. As our Father has said, “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133.1)
Because Calvary provided this union, – it is up to us as His children to make this our practice, and as much as is possible, as much as lies in us, to live peaceably with all men. ~ But hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has come in, overflowing our hearts by The Spirit of Holiness who has been given to us ~ (Romans 5.5)
May we “pull over and park” here? I would like to stop and stare at this for awhile… -ponder, if you please.. (I ponder as I wander..)
Hope does not disappoint? Oh? (as my wife is wont to say…) Oh? “Hope” does not disappoint? What is hope? What, my friends is “biblical” hope? Is it.. “I hope I get a puppy for Christmas” hope? Wishy-washy wishful-wasteful thinking on our part? No. Not at all.
Biblical hope, scriptural hope is “confident expectation.” -And my hope, (our hope) is in the LORD. What He says, What God says, He will do, for God not only promises,- He also “performs.”
How do I know this? How does any man know??- (Remember?) We look to the past. We are rowing backwards into the future, but aligning ourselves with the markers (events) that have already taken place.
Notice please, some not-so “ancient” history. God has a history of delivering (saving) His people, the ones who are called by His Name. His-story in reader’s digest format. #1 Crisis- God delivers. #2 Crisis- God delivers. #3 Crisis- God delivers. – Now here, kids, are three “examples” of the deliverance/salvation (same word) of YHWH. But wait!- there’s more! So much more. “Need more than three,” doubting Thomas? What about 4,5,6,7,or 8? Just how many times would it take, Mr. HardHeart? and do you- (yes, you Mr./M’am) have an “up close and personal” history of God’s deliverance, God’s faithful provision in your life? – Not to worry, if you don’t, you will. God will see to it. (I guarantee it!). – It’s going to happen, if it hasn’t already- there will be sufficient tribulation and there will be abundant salvation. Friends- can you testify? “Been there. Done that?” – And yes, (amen!) God showed up- as He Who is “always Faithful” does- right on time. Have you (also) “proved” the scriptures to be true?- “He Who has promised is Faithful?”
May we review this? May we recognize and realize this? “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is Faithful.” (Hebrews 10.23) Whose very Name is “Faithful and True? ~Then I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war”
If we are to believe the Biblical narrative, there are three things that remain, abide or endure. These three, are our three-fold umbilical cord of life, “faith, hope and love.” ~ Right now, (yes, in the “here and now”) three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. ~ (1 Corinthians 13.13)
My hope (confident expectation) is that He will teach us to love one another with a pure heart fervently. As our Father has said, “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133.1)
Because Calvary provided this union, – it is up to us as His children to make this our practice, and as much as is possible, as much as lies in us, to live peaceably with all men.
If we are to believe the Biblical narrative, there are three things that remain, abide or endure. These three, are our three-fold umbilical cord of life; right now, (yes, in the “here and now”) three things remain: ~ faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love. ~ (1 Corinthians 13.13)
My hope (confident expectation) is that He will teach us to love one another with a pure heart fervently. As our Father has said, “behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” (Psalm 133.1)
Because of our blood-covenant union with the Christ through Calvary’s cross, – it is now up to us as His twice-born children to make this our daily practice, and as much as is possible, as much as lies in us, to live peaceably with all men.
This again affirms to me, His thoughts are NOT our thoughts and His ways are NOT our ways.. (Isaiah 55.8)
So what is the “gold standard” we hold so dear upon this planet? He who dies with the most toys wins? Get all you can- can all you get- sit on the lid and poison the rest? Life, according to the “Survivor” series on the HD box of lies found “preaching prosperity” in almost every household, declares (Yes, “preaches,” “win at any cost!” Whatever the cost, including integrity, by tooth or by claw- get to the top. Exceed, excel, outlast, outperform, -win. Be number #- and winner takes all.
And what are the tools, techniques, and tips to “get there?” – It all starts with using the right toothpaste, or drinking the right beer or driving the correct car. Multiple trips to the gym and the tanning bed and to the salon. Muscle up, muscle head. Thick as a brick.
Prosperity, possessions, position, prestige, influence and affluence- these are things I desire. Oh, but friends,- don’t even be thinkin’ – this is all I want. No, no and no!- This man’s “want list” has no bounds. Even when I play the so-called game of monopoly, I won’t be “satisfied” until I own everything, including the bank. I promise, “honest injun”- my “want to” far exceeds my “get to!”
But, if my memory still serves me correctly, (that pesky conscience!)- there was a man who “had it all”. – And , according to “Biblical history,” (was there “really” a man named Solomon?- or is this just another “allusion” or “allegory?”) Or a real David, or a real Moses, or a real country called Egypt? or real pyramids or a real desert or did they really wander for forty years- and was it really forty years, (real years)of wilderness wandering? Things that make me wonder- was Solomon the wisest man who ever lived? The queen of Sheba (another mirage no doubt) wondered at his wisdom- and of course- his prosperity.
But these words were written by the Preacher of the Day- himself to leave a legacy and a word of warning to all who would follow in his footsteps… (if you can’t be a great example,- be a horrible warning!) Vanity of vanities, -all is vanity- a chasing after the wind. (Today’s encouraging word- vanity.)
Solomon’s game or goal was accumulation, much like we are today… How much money is enough money?- The answer echoes across the ages..-“just a little bit more..”- or as (sorry) Solomon discovered- “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Poor guy, -should’ve “invested” in gold!
Solomon was the Bill Gates or George Zoros of his day. Top of the food chain, he climbed the ladder of success all the way to the top only to find it was leaning against the wrong building! – May we ask the question?- “Where” did we, (excuse me) “he”- go wrong? Would there possibly be an answer to be found in very words of God? What has been written for our instruction, that the so that the children of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work? Now these things were written for our examples..
What was Solomon’s story? “I” will build me gardens. “I” will accumulate “singers”. “I” will test myself with wine and with strong drink. “I” will have many wives (and many mother-in-laws!). Solomon, (along with many who are alive today) had “I”-trouble. Aye, that was it. Solomon’s father wrote- ~ Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture ~ (Psalm-song 100.3).
Solomon forgot, and so have we. “It is He who has made us- and not we ourselves.” ~Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above ~, Mr. Solomon. Don’t you remember who gave you everything? And God said, “I will give you..” Although He had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command.~
What is the absolute “wisest” thing that we who belong to Him can possibly, even with our limited abilities, do? Anyone? -“obey God.” Where did Solomon go wrong? 20/20 hindsight tells us- he didn’t listen very well to the instructions of ADONAI. Well, how about that!- Neither did Adam, nor Moses, or Noah, or the disciples of Yeshua Himself. “Shema”- O Israel! Listen and obey. To obey is better than sacrifice. What father among us would not delight in or desire obedient children?
Solomon was distracted, and so are we. “All we like (distracted) sheep have gone astray.. ~ but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful ~ (Mark 4.19)
What is the “cure” for these distractions? It is “focused attention” (in Hebrew,-“kavvanna”). Kavvanah is attentiveness to God,not the awareness of being commanded but the awareness of Him who commands; not of a yoke we carry but of the Will we remember; the awareness of God rather than the awareness of duty.” (looking unto Jesus!)
And friend, this “awareness” of God is a delight!- He is with us- always, even unto the end of the age.
Solomon sir, ~Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out ~ (Philippians 4:11) ~ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.~
~ We are His people, and the (well-fed, but rather spoiled) sheep of His pasture..~ We will enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, and enter His courts with praise. We will be thankful unto Him and bless His Name- for the LORD is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures/remains forever. Amen.
There was this very rich man. He decided that he was going to take his wealth with him when he died so he had a special suit made with many pockets that he could put gold coins in. He died and was burried in his suit filled with gold. When he got to heaven’s gate he went in but could hardly walk because of the weight of the heavy gold. St Peter ask him why he was having trouble and the man showed him the gold. Then St Peter said, “Why did you want to bring all that pavement up here?”