Where We Truly Belong... Revelation Lesson 12 (End)

By all accounts, we should not be really surprised at how Revelation would end. It is, after all, a majestic book that promises much hope for the believing child of God. It spells out the final state of affairs, speaks of a guaranteed place in heaven - man's true home, and more importantly, God's design and plan for all things.

Chapters 21 and 22 fits the style of apocalypse literature, and should be read in parts. The beginning of chapter 21 consists of three "trailers" that would end in 21:5. These "trailers" would be fully expanded subsequently till the end of the book.

A more understandable reading plan would look like:

HOLY CITY - Intro in 21:1-2, fully expanded in 21:9-21
GOD WITH MAN - Intro in 21:3-4, fully expanded in 21:22 - 27
ALL THINGS NEW - Intro in 21:4-5, fully expanded in 22:1-5


Observations
Chapter 21

Revelation ends with the beginning of a magnificent new heaven and earth. The descriptions are vivid, sometimes even of a material kind. Streets paved with gold, gates made of pearls, etc. However we must not think John is saying the New Jerusalem would be as material as our earthly cities. John was merely using the language his readers can understand to indicate the utmost value of the New City. He is concerned with spiritual states, and not earthly realities.

Herein lies the crux message of John's prophecies. Only in the light of New Jerusalem, can the earthly splendours of Babylon be seen for what it is - tarty, gaudy seductions of a whore. In a series of vivid metaphors, John gives us important truths about the life to come.

v9-11. The marriage has arrived. The New City descended from above. It owes its existence to the condescension of God and not the efforts of man. It has the glory of God and its brilliance comes from God.

v12-13. Surrounded by a high wall, the City is secure and its gates are never shut (v25). Angels stand as gatekeepers on the 12 gates, which are inscribed the 12 tribes of Israel. Israel's high calling is honoured. There are 3 gates each in the north, south, east and west. Compare this to Israel's encampment in Numbers 2.

v14. Under the wall are 12 foundations bearing the names of the Apostles. This again signifies that Israel of the Old Testament (OT) and the Church are included in God's final scheme of things.

v15. The City is measured and found to be a perfect cube, measuring 12,000 stadia (approx 1,500 miles). The Holy of Holies in the OT's tabernacle is a perfect cube. Now, 12,000 stadia would be the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Macau, Adelaide to Darwin, or Delhi to Yangon. John was trying to relay the magnitude, and not the exact measurements. The size of this city boggles the mind. It can only mean that there is room for all.

v17-21. The heavenly city is built from every kind of precious stone, from the most costly material. Again, these are metaphors for the value of the city. There wasn't enough in the language to describe the true value of the city, therefore John used the highest that readers could relate to.

V22-27. This city does not need a temple, nor does it need light. God Himself is the sanctuary and illumination. The gates of this city do not shut, nor will darkness enter it. Nations and kings will bring homage. Anyone who does what is shameful and deceitful will not enter it. It is important that people speak truth and act truly.

Observations
Chapter 22

River. Tree of life. Fruit. If we look carefully, this picture resembles the garden of Eden. In fact, the last 3 chapters of Revelation somewhat mirrors the first 3 chapters of Genesis. In the final state of things, God will restore everything to what it was in the beginning. Man and women will again enjoy the bountiful provision of Eden in purity.

V6. John closes his visions by reiterating the authenticity of the book. The words, “see I am coming soon!” refers to the imminence of Christ’s return, rather than its immediacy. V8 confirms the book as a prophecy, and it should not be treated as some other kinds of literature. V9 sees John being tempted to worship the angel who delivered the visions but he was sternly stopped. Worship only belongs to God.

V10. The command “not to seal up” means not to keep hidden the words of this book (Revelation). They are meant for publication and are not some secret wisdom of a select few. v 12 – 15 stress the reward Christ will give to the faithful. V16 – Jesus Himself gives credence to this book.

V18, 19. A grave warning is issued. The words of prophecy in this book are not to be tampered with. It is a strong exhortation to heed what is written. There is punishment for those who fiddle and twist these words. V20, 21. Again, Jesus emphasizes on His return soon.

Thoughts

Some take Revelation as the ultimate ending. However, if we look carefully, it is only the beginning of a new life in the New City. We grossly misunderstand the text if we treat the New Jerusalem as a retirement centre where we while our time away doing all things enjoyable. Of course we will have joy – the deep-seated sense of happiness where we find our utmost satisfaction in God. And after all the dramas, climax, twists and turns, this is what it is all about – God bringing man and women back to their real home.