John described the judgment and removal of evil, aka Babylon and Rome, in chapter 20. In this chapter he describes what it will be like when the persecution of God’s people has ended. In chapter 13 evil, in the form of the beast, came out of the sea. Here in chapter 21 when John says the sea was gone it is an apocalyptic way of saying that evil has been removed. When John says that death, crying and pain are gone he is not referring to a heavenly existence. Again, it is an apocalyptic way of saying that the persecution has ended.
John’s description of the new Jerusalem is centered on the number 12: gates; angels; tribes; apostles; etc. John is describing something special for the people of God as he draws on Isaiah 60 and Ezekiel 48 for inspiration. John also mentions a measuring rod which is a symbol for protection for those within the area measured. The measurements of Jerusalem reveal a cube, which connects John’s vision to the other cube mentioned in scripture, the Holy of Holies in the Temple.
The Holy of Holies was in the center of the Temple and where the presence of God was located. A priest could only enter the Holy of Holies once per year to make atonement for the sins of the people. John’s description of New Jerusalem reveals that the entirety of the new city is the Holy of Holies and God will dwell with all of his people, continuously. Interestingly no Temple is described in this New Jerusalem, suggesting that where at one time worship was limited to a place and a time, now worship will be a state of being as God is worshiped through everything that a person does, wherever they may be.
What does today’s reading
reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change
anything in your life?
19-Oct-11 Rev. 22
No comments:
Post a Comment