The Foundations of the City of Heaven
Scripture Reading — Revelation 21:9-21
The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.
As we come to the end of November, our search for rocks and stones in the Bible is drawing to a close, but we can all keep looking for these images and remembering God’s love and care for us. We can find comfort in knowing that most of the references are intended to open up meaning about who God is and what it means to live united with Christ.
Today’s reading provides a spectacular image filled with precious gems. In Revelation 21 we find a vision about the holy city “coming down out of heaven from God.” This amazing scene is part of the promise that God will come to live with us in a new heaven and new earth. We see the new Jerusalem radiating with all that is needed for perfect unity and harmony with God. All who live in this city with God will see clearly, and all will be filled with wisdom and understanding and perfect peace. We will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, and there will be beauty, perfection, glory, fulfillment, and flourishing for all to enjoy.
As we begin the journey of Advent in December, may this longing for the new heaven and earth carry us forward. Though we may have to wait a while, and some of us may have to suffer, all of us can join together singing, “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King”!
Come, Lord Jesus. Give us a vision of hope and peace in our hearts. Sustain us in our everyday lives, and fill us with gratitude and wonder, for you are our Rock and our Salvation, in whom we trust. Amen.
About the author — Julia Prins Vanderveen
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!