We
read of "gold" in both Ezra and Revelation (Ezra
1:4,6,9-11; Revelation 8:3; Revelation 9:7). In Ezra 1:6, "gold" is set
alongside "valuable gifts" and "all the freewill offerings." "Gold" is
a valuable thing. The "gold" of our lives is truly valuable when it is
given freely, as a "freewill offering." In Revelation 8:3, "gold" is
associated with "the prayers of all the saints." The "gold" of our
lives is truly valuable when it is given prayerfully to the Lord.
In Revelation 9:7, the reference to "gold" is of a different kind. It
refers to "the locusts." It does not refer directly to "gold." It uses
the intriguing phrase - "something like crowns of gold." This phrase
speaks to us of the counterfeit, something which is like the real thing
but is not the real thing. Like "the locusts", we must be "prepared
for battle" (Revelation 9:7). We must be watchful. We must guard
against the counterfeit. We must keep ourselves for God so that we may
be presented to Him as that which is truly "gold." "Prepared for
battle", we must wage war as those who trust in the Lord, "the One who
gives victory" (Psalm 144:2). This is the way of blessing: "Blessed are
the people whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 144:15).
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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