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Revelation 21:19-21
The twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem each represent one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb/Jesus (Revelation 21:14). In Revelation 21:19-20 we learn that the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem were adorned with all kinds of precious stones – one for each foundation. The precious stones are in relation to the stones in the breastplate worn by the high priest which represent the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28).
The apostles, the tribes of Israel, the foundation of the New Jerusalem, and the beauty of it all goes together as does the children of God who will dwell in the New Jerusalem. There will be no separation of Old Testament and New Testament but only a togetherness of all who believe in the Almighty God of heaven and put Him first in their lives.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV) as He quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
In Revelation 21:21 we learn that in addition to the splendor of all the precious stones inlaid in the twelve foundations are pearls and gold– each gate a single pearl of heavenly size and the street made of pure transparent gold as of glass.
This is a promise and example of the beauty and splendor of the New Jerusalem and of the unity that will be found in it for all who dwell there as children of God.
This may seem odd to some, but even our jewelry and the precious stones that are dear to our hearts comes from the Bible. God has given us a desire for the things of heaven, but it is up to us to discern why. We can make decisions for ourselves – this is also true for whether we will put our faith in God, who gave us a passion and desire for the things of heaven, or whether we will simply continue to try to find satisfaction in the “things” of heaven instead of He who created it all. Whether you believe in God and eternal life in heaven or not, you all have possessions that show you do. The question is, “Do you put your faith in the things of heaven, or in He who created it?” The devil will always try to trick you into believing that you can have the things of heaven in this life if he can keep your focus on them, but it will all come to an end one day as you cannot take your earthly possessions with you when you die. God says to put your faith in Him as it is the only thing that will matter in truly receiving the precious things of heaven for eternity.
Dear LORD,
The New Jerusalem will truly be a splendor and beauty of a most magnificent place to live with You for eternity. Please help us to see that in this world, and the precious things we find in it, will fade and all come to an end one day, but that the things of heaven are only obtainable through putting You first in our lives – to turn/repent from the ways of this world and to put our faith in You. In Jesus name I pray, amen.