SCRIPTURE: Revelation 21:9-27
OBSERVATION:
Twelve tribes of Israel… twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:12,14) Symbolism for the whole community of faithful, from both the old covenant (Israel before Jesus) and the new covenant (Church after Jesus). Notice the symbolic numbers of wholeness and perfection (multiples of 12 and 10), representing the fullness (symbolized by 10) of OT and NT believers (symbolized by 12). The dimensions and wealth represent perfection and wonder.
I did not see a temple in the city (Revelation 21:22) The temple was a symbolic representation of God among His people. Jesus in His time on earth, and believers today are the temples of God, i.e. the way that God shows His presence in the world. In the end, no more symbols of God’s presence will be required, for God will once again be with us in person, and we will be able to “walk in the garden” with God (Genesis 3:8).
City does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it (Revelation 21:23). Does not mean there is no sun or moon, just that darkness will no longer be the hiding place of evil, for God’s presence will “light up” every corner. In this world, darkness is often to abode of evil (Romans 13:12-14, Ephesians 4:17-19), but in God’s world nothing impure will enter it. No need for security systems (ie open gates) because everyone will walk by His light, i.e. be committed to God’s way of loving and living.
APPLICATION:
Lots of symbols here, but the gist is once again, do I want to be a part of this perfect world? If so, I have to be committed to living like it. Already now my life should reflect the fact that God lives in me, and that I live (walk) according to His light (way). To do this I ought to reflect on the life of Jesus, and the way that this is described by others (like Paul in Romans 12:9-21, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 4:1-5:20, Philippians 2:1-16, Colossians 3:1-17). The more I meditate on this attitude and lifestyle, and the more I surrender to living like this, with His help, the more it will start to show in my life, thanks to His power working it out in me.
PRAYER:
Lord, I rededicate myself to living this kind of life, here and now. I want my life to relfect Your perfect world, Your kingdom. I want my life to shine as an example for others to see You in me. But I need Your help, desperately. Amen.
The city described in human terms in a sense is undescribeable and unfathomable. Words are not enough to describe its size and beauty and its shining radiance. It is the city of God for His presence is there and therefore there is no need of the sun or moon because the radiance of its Ruler. The gates are always open because only His people are there, walking in His Sonshine and Sonlight always.
Lord help me today to live for You. You are the light of my salvation. You are my lamp. Help me daily to walk in Your light because then I will never be in darkness. By my walk from day to day, may others see Your glory and power and majesty by what I do and say. Help me today Lord, to live for Jesus.
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin
The Light of the world is Jesus
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shown in
The Light of the world is Jesus
Come to the Light, ’tis shining for thee
Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me
Once I was blind but now I can see
The Light of the world is Jesus