RSS Feed |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sunday School Lesson
John had witnessed the scenes in the throne-room of God. He had observed the heavenly worship by the heavenly beings, as well as that of the representatives of the Old Testament believers and the New Testament followers of Christ. The focus of the worship had been God and his son. After John "saw a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1a) - with the accompanying assurances of eternal provisions, his focus was drawn toward another scene. "And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the lamb's wife." Revelation 21:9. John wrote that "he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." Revelation 21:10. The reference here is not to the "present Jerusalem," but of one that is to come. The name "Jerusalem" comes from the Hebrew word that indicates "foundation of peace." At the time of the receiving of the Revelation, this phrase would not have accurately described that city. Presently, the name would not be accurate. However, when the "new heavens and the new earth" replace the "present system," the nature of that city will become "divine," being called the "holy Jerusalem." The description that John gave was significant to the "first readers." Today, we must read the record in reference to this "time frame." "Light" was limited in that period of time. To show these readers the extent of divine interest in the inhabitants, John wrote of the city "Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious..." Revelation 21:11a. Cities were "constructed" on the basis of some kind of design. Hebrews 11:10. Great care was practiced in following the specific plan. This city "had 12 foundations, and in them the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb." Revelation 21:14; see Ephesians 2:20. The major cities of that day had walls with gates to control entrance and exit. These readers were assured that the city was fortified. However, the entrances and exits were available. The gates were named for the tribes of Israel, yet they were guarded by heavenly beings. Revelation 21:12. The size of the city assured "room" for all who have accepted the divine plan of salvation Revelation 21:16. This city is a "cube," with each of the sides being approximately 1350 miles. It is important for us to remember that the "holy of holies" of the tabernacle was a "cube." This "dwelling place of God" - into which only the high priest could enter only once each year - had been opened when Jesus completed the plan of salvation with his death on the cross. John 19:30b; Matthew 27:51. One thing was "missing" in this holy Jerusalem. "And I saw no temple therein: for the lord God almighty and the lamb are the temple of it." Revelation 21:22. Concerning light, John, further, explained, "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." Revelation 21:23. The holy spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) showed John the benefit of the eternal design. "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." Revelation 21:24. Protection of the inhabitants of the city was of major concern to the leaders, as well as to the citizens. In the "holy Jerusalem" there is assurance of this divine provision. The protection is so complete that these first readers were assured, "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." Revelation 21:25. The focus of the "new order" is on this city. "And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it." Revelation 21:26. These first readers were familiar with the fact that "anyone" - good, bad, or anything in between - might be allowed entrance into any city. To assure them of the divine plan, John wrote, "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but that which are written in he lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27. The scene, again, shifts. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the lamb." Revelation 22:1. He, then, described the divine provision. "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare 12 manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2. Sin was introduced into the human race in the garden of Eden. Genesis 3:1-6. The "curse" that was pronounced upon the race at that time has continued with us. However, in the "holy Jerusalem" this condition will be changed. "And there shall be no more curse..." Revelation 22:3a. The reason is given - "but the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him." Revelation 22:3b,c. Divine assurance is given - "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." Revelation 22:4; Revelation 7:3. The promise of divine provision is repeated. Re-velation 22:3.
Even though these events are "future," we can know the peace of God and the divine presence, today. John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15.
|
for larger version       |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
