Built to Last
Scripture Reading — Revelation 21:1-18
The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. Revelation 21:18
For two days our kids enjoyed playing in a stream that ran in front of our house. The city had installed new valves and increased the water pressure. Unhappily for Manila but happily for the children, the new pressure burst the 40-year-old pipes, yielding cool, clean entertainment.
City officials know they must constantly work to upgrade and repair their local infrastructure, but we look forward to a city "whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). John's vision of the New Jerusalem shows there will no longer be a need for improvements. Nothing will need upgrading because the best--gold and precious stones--will already be in place.
The foundation has been laid--the saving work of Jesus Christ. And as coworkers with God in his mission, we can now build with gold and precious stones.
How do we build with such enduring materials for God's city? We build with faith, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). We build according to God's blueprints, for "to obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22). We build also to honor God: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). And in God's holy city one day we'll all enjoy forever "the river of the water of life" that flows from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1).
Dear God, we want to work with an eye to your lasting city. Help us to know by faith that Jesus has already won a place in your city for all who believe. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Tim Holwerda
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