What I’m Thinking: Holy City

Much of the Revelation to John contains words and images of judgment and destruction – but judgment and destruction are not the goal.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the Revelation to John, towards the end: portions of chapters 21 and 22 (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5).

Much of the book of Revelation is concerned with judgment: first, judgment upon a series of churches, and then judgment expressed in predictions of disaster for what turns out to be the Roman Empire and its leaders and its minions.

But towards the end of the book, the author turns from the vision of destruction to the vision of a new Jerusalem, a holy city coming down from heaven to be the residence not just of God but of all nations.

I think it’s important to stress that this is the goal. It is not the judgment. It is not the destruction. It is this holy city, this place of healing for all the nations, this place of joy for all the nations.

It is probably not within our power – it is certainly not within our power – to create such a holy place here in this life on this earth. Nevertheless, our efforts and our prayers are all oriented towards this goal: a place of healing, a place of renewal, a place of joy, a place of peace.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.