Streets of Gold or Presence of God

Streets of Gold or Presence of God
I was thinking earlier today about the streets of gold that pave the pathways of heaven. A couple of thoughts came to mind. You might want to read Revelation 21:9—22:5.

First, why would God describe heaven as paved with Gold? The answer is because we humans do not comprehend the magnificence and beauty of eternity with God and Jesus Christ. For that reason, God has to describe something that is not physical (heaven is a spiritual kingdom) in physical terms because our finite minds have a very hard time comprehending the spiritual Kingdom God has prepared for us. By using such grandeur as gold, pearls and precious gemstones, we get the idea that this is luxury beyond our earthly understanding and something that we all can have, regardless of our past, if we simply believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and our Lord and Savior.

Another thought is “Why did God choose to use gold?” Why are the streets of heaven paved with gold? The reason is that bricks, pavement or dirt would not adequately convey the beauty, splendor and wonder of God’s Kingdom. Heaven is such a beautiful place that God chooses to use what mankind would consider as beautiful and desirable to attract us to such a place. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) headquarters in Costa Mesa, California are located in a building that is white as pearl and trimmed extensively with gold filigree. It is a beautiful sight to behold, an attempt to communicate the splendor of Heaven, but it is still nothing like what is waiting for us in Heaven.

Another reason that Heaven is paved with Gold is because God would never do anything less than His best. In describing Heaven in the book of Revelation, God is trying to communicate that Heaven is built of His best materials for all to enjoy who enter His rest. Heaven is such a desirable place that nothing less than God’s best will do in regards to its construction, design, appointments and the treatment of its guests. Truly, when you and I arrive at Heaven’s door, you are going to be privileged to see and experience the absolute best our Creator has for us. God will give nothing less than the best for those who believe that Jesus is the Christ who died on the cross for their sins and have declared Him as their Lord and Savior. That is how much He loves you and wants to bless you.

One more thought. Even if heaven were a dirt road in a rundown neighborhood, just being in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, along with the Holy Spirit would be far better than any gold paved street anywhere on this earth or in Heaven. God’s presence is better than anything we could ever begin to imagine.

Oh, how my heart yearns for the realization of the eternal presence that is so clear to all present that there is no doubt that we are in the presence of the God who created us for a love relationship with Him. As the old hymn says:

I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land.
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything,
This world affords today.

How about you?

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