The last book of the Bible - Revelation - brings us to a vision of St. John, where he sees the holy city coming down from heaven. This is part of the description in Sunday's reading.
"I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations" Revelation 21:22-26
The context is that John has been banished to the island of Patmos. The Roman Empire has been engaged in persecution of those who do not affirm that the emperor is Lord. Of course, the Christians would affirm that only Jesus is Lord and not the emperor. What John is saying here is that God is in control of history. A better day will dawn. Those who are facing persecution can have hope.
Look deeply at this picture that John's provides for his readers. It is one where God's glory is overall. So strong is this glory that no natural light such as a sun is needed. Here too, there is no church building. Again, God's presence is overall. Moreover, God's presence will be the main focus as kings and their citizens bring their best into this city.
I would have you reflect on the power of this vision for your own life. Are there times when you wonder who is really in control? Can you see with this vision the direction that God desires for all of us here on Earth? How might it empower you to move in a God-given direction?
May God's blessings be upon your meditation of this text and your worship this Sunday.
"I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations" Revelation 21:22-26
The context is that John has been banished to the island of Patmos. The Roman Empire has been engaged in persecution of those who do not affirm that the emperor is Lord. Of course, the Christians would affirm that only Jesus is Lord and not the emperor. What John is saying here is that God is in control of history. A better day will dawn. Those who are facing persecution can have hope.
Look deeply at this picture that John's provides for his readers. It is one where God's glory is overall. So strong is this glory that no natural light such as a sun is needed. Here too, there is no church building. Again, God's presence is overall. Moreover, God's presence will be the main focus as kings and their citizens bring their best into this city.
I would have you reflect on the power of this vision for your own life. Are there times when you wonder who is really in control? Can you see with this vision the direction that God desires for all of us here on Earth? How might it empower you to move in a God-given direction?
May God's blessings be upon your meditation of this text and your worship this Sunday.
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