Greetings members and friends and welcome to another commentary and preview to this Sunday’s study of the Word. This Sunday’s study text is entitled “A New City” and it is based on Revelation 21:10-21.
The Book of Revelation is and was given by Jesus to be given to His followers and believers so that they would know of things to come. John, the apostle of Jesus Christ and author of the gospel which bears his name said he was instructed to write the things he saw and heard so that those who believed would know what was and is to come. Revelation describes what shall and will happen in the end.
Today’s study is a continuation of last week’s study of John’s prophesy concerning the new heaven and earth. John is given a vision of God’s holy city which John calls new Jerusalem. The old Jerusalem was and still is called the city of God. It is the city and place where God is said to have said He would place His name.
The following biblical references give context to God establishing His name in Jerusalem: 1 Kings 8:12-21, 9:3; 11:13, 2 Kings 20:6, and 2 Chronicles 7:16 among others.
God chose to forever place, establish and associate His name with the city of Jerusalem even as it is today. The three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity all revere and recognize Jerusalem with the God of Heaven. Even people of other religions and nonreligions make this connection.
Jerusalem represents the place on earth where God resides with His people. Just as God makes the heaven and earth new, He makes His dwelling place with His people new. John goes on to describe the physical characteristics of the holy city.
However, I am inclined to believe that this vision of the holy city is a physical and spiritual representation of God’s presence with his people. My main reason for this inclination is because God doesn’t dwell in nor have any need for buildings of any kind. But the physical description is given for His people’s sake to provide context, a point of reference and provide a spiritual message.
The dimensions of the city and names associated with parts of it are spiritually significant. The number 12 is significant and is repeated over and over in parts of the city. The number 144 has already been mentioned in the prophesy of this book.
The construction materials of the city consist of some of the finest gems known to man. Some of the gems like jasper known for peace and tranquility even have other associations other than their great beauty. And then there is gold and crystal and pearls. Gold for its unraveled value, crystal for its purity and clarity and pearls for their beauty and rarity.
The description of the city is meant to send the message that there is nothing on earth to rival it and it is more expensive than anyone or nation or world could afford to build. The physical description of the city is designed to say there is no greater place to be found or had.
The city endures and appears in the new heaven and earth because God has placed His name there forever. This description of the holy city inspires the children of God to want to see it and enter into it.
And while God could and might actually construct such a place for His name’s sake and the glory thereof, because of the nature of God and His redeemed people, a physical structure such as this is not necessary or needed. It might stand and exist as a testament to and reminder of the overcoming faith of all of God’s people redeemed from humanity.
I don’t know about you, but I want to go. I want to see this great city and be a part of it. If it inspires you to want to do the same, then I believe it has served its purpose in this prophesy.
Well, be sure to look over the study again and come prepared to offer your comments, questions and perspective on the meaning of the study. If you can’t attend your own Sunday School class this Sunday, you can join us live and online at 9:00 am at www.fbmbc.org and clicking the online services link.
You can also join us live by dialing 508 924-2890. If you have any comments or questions, be sure to place them in the comment section or you can share them on Sunday. So, let’s all have a great lesson and discussion this Sunday and remember to fear God and keep His commandments.
Pastor Jordan
