Clear as Crystal

The largest natural crystals in the world are found in the Cave of the Crystals in Chihuahua, Mexico. One giant selenite crystal measures more than 37 feet long. Access to the cave is risky due to extremely hot temperatures (136 degrees Fahrenheit) and flooding.

When John beheld in vision the New Jerusalem, he struggled to find words to describe what he saw. His primary focus of the holy city is that it has “the glory of God.” This same glory describes the bride; the apostle Paul said of Christ, “that He might 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, emphasis added). God’s glory is reflected in His people.

John next explains, “Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” The Greek word for jasper, iaspis, is probably not the same gem we call jasper today. It may have been chalcedony, agate, opal, jade, or nephrite.

Jasper was the last gem in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:20). John previously described Jesus appearing as the King of the universe “like a jasper” (Revelation 4:3). His use of the word “like” indicates John’s grasping for a way to describe something much greater.

Whatever stone John is speaking about, the light of God’s glory was “clear as crystal.” Crystal can refer to any number of stones (like diamonds) or even ice (like snowflakes). The Greek word John uses, krustalliz?, literally means “to flash forth light” or “to scintillate.” It’s also used in Revelation to describe the “sea of glass” (4:6) and the “river of life” (22:1). Such descriptions make one think of diamonds, which are particularly reflective.

Like the bright twinkle in the eye of a radiant bride, God’s people are to reflect the brilliant character of Jesus, which is symbolized by the beauties of the New Jerusalem. A glorious countenance comes from the glory of God in our hearts.

Dear Father, it is my humble desire to reflect Jesus’ beautiful and perfect character in my life today.

For Further Study: Exodus 40:34,35; Isaiah 62:3; Philippians 2:15

Key Bible Texts

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; (Revelation 21:11 KJV)