In Revelation 21:18, we read, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.” This verse is part of the description of the church given by John. He saw the heavenly Jerusalem descending out of heaven (v. 10). The church is seen as a most beautiful place made of gold and precious stones.
In ancient times, jasper was seen as having certain special powers. It was also believed to be associated with certain things. These are not true, but it is possible that these beliefs and superstitions are reasons that God used jasper in his picture of the church.
Jasper stone was believed to be a remedy for snakebite. How appropriate that the church is envisioned as having walls that make the city safe from the bite of the great serpent, Satan. If one stays inside the walls of the heavenly Jerusalem, one cannot be harmed by the bites of the Serpent.
The jasper stone was also thought to have the special power to relieve drought. People believed that the stone could be used to bring much needed rain during times when it had not rained for a long time. Jesus said He brought living water. He meant that if one will drink of the truths in the Bible, then one will live forever in Heaven. If we will stay inside the walls of jasper, then we will always have the kind of water that we need.
The jasper stone also was believed to represent satisfaction. If one possessed a jasper stone, one would be satisfied with life. God has promised to give us everything that we need to live the life of a Christian. We will be satisfied with life no matter what our situation may be if we stay within the walls of jasper.
I do not know for a fact that God used the jasper walls to tell us these things. Yet, I do know that we can be satisfied, that we will have plenty of spiritual water, and that we can be safe from the Serpent if we will stay within the walls of the church.
Keep studying your Bible. Learn what you need to know to get into the church and stay in the church. Take advantage of the walls of jasper. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
