Tonight in our Bible study we read Revelation 21, where we see God making a new heaven and a new earth (see also Is 65:17-18, Is 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13). The imagery is of the church, God’s people, as a bride and as a city (see also Is 54:5, Eph 5:26-27). with God’s trustworthy and true promise being that He will dwell with His people forever.
The imagery in this chapter is of beauty beyond our wildest dreams (with the streets paved with gold and beautiful jewels adorning the walls and the gates made from pearls.) God takes our brokenness and is building us into something beautiful; Peter reminds us that we are living stones (see 1 Pet 2:9-10). His new creation will be a place of perfection, with no more sorrow, death, mourning or sin; those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life will inherit all God has promised, whereas nothing ungodly will ever be found there again.
The brilliance of the city comes from the light and glory of God. We are promised light, eternal satisfaction ‘without cost’ and a glorious inheritance. This hope fuels us in this present darkness and reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Rom 8:18)
