Tag: 1 John 1:5

On Earth as It Is in Heaven

 The front cover of Jen Wilkin’s book Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom includes a 17th century British tapestry that depicts the tree of life bearing abundant fruit and sheltering a variety of animals.  This multi-faceted piece of art (pictured above) attempts to capture John’s vision of the new Jerusalem described in Revelation 22. A tapestry is a fitting choice for the book’s cover given that the concluding chapters of Revelation tie together so many threads woven throughout Scripture. In this post we’ll cover Revelation 21:9-22:21.

Jen Wilkin explains, “With the introduction of the new Jerusalem in the seventh sight, we are invited into an extended view of all that is made new. Wars and rumors of wars are behind us. Grief and sorrow are wiped away. Sin is no longer in our midst. Satan can no longer deceive, seduce, nor persecute. And the last enemy, death, is under the feet of the One seated on the throne. The serpent’s head is crushed. The seed of the woman has triumphed.” (153)

Picking up where we left off in my last post “Seven Last Sights”, Revelation 21:9 continues with a vision of “the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed with God’s glory. Her radiance was like a precious jewel, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (21:10b-11, CSB) John includes a detailed description full of symbolic numbers. Twelve angels stand at twelve gates, each inscribed with the name of one of the twelve sons of Israel. Three gates face in four directions—north, south, east, and west. The city wall rests on twelve foundations named for the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Here we see a beautiful merging of the Old and New Testament that encompasses the complete scope of the created world (symbolized by the number 4) and the entirety of the people of God (symbolized by the number 12).

The vision continues with a description of the dimensions of the city—a perfect square of 12,000 stadia (1380 miles) and a wall of 144 cubits (216 feet). Jen Wilkin explains that this expanse would’ve encompassed the limits of the known world for the original readers of Revelation—indicating that the new Jerusalem would be like a vast version of the Holy of Holies covering the entire earth. In an ironic twist, precious metals and jewels that often were the object of idolatry for earth dwellers are common building materials in the city of God. (Week 10 video)

John notes that the new Jerusalem does not have a temple “because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (21:22b) The time for making sacrifices of atonement has passed, so the need for a temple is unnecessary. Also missing in the new Jerusalem are the sun and moon “because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (21:23b)  This echoes John’s writings on light in other parts of Scripture as well: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5b NIV) and “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV)

With the enemy defeated and final judgement complete, there is no threat of evil entering the holy city. The gates of the new Jerusalem remain eternally open because “Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (21:27)  God’s beloved people remain safe and secure for eternity. His kingdom has come and His will has been done on earth, just as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

John’s vision continues in Revelation 22, where we discover that the new Jerusalem is a garden city. The river of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the city’s main street. “The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse.” (22:3) This echoes a vision described in Ezekiel: “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12, NIV)

With Eden restored, God’s people will once again walk in close fellowship with Him in the garden. This is a stunning contrast to the Lord’s explanation when Moses asks to see Him face to face: “He said, ‘you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live…When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” (Exodus 33:20,22-23, NIV) In the new garden city with perfected bodies “his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” (22:3b-4)

This portion of John’s vision ends with a reiteration: “Night will be no more; people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light, and they will right forever and ever.” (22:5) Many threads from Scripture tie together here– most notably, Jesus’ words about Himself, also recorded by John: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)

Revelation 22:6-21 brings John’s vision to a close with some final words—including five reminders that the time for Jesus’ return is near. John includes direct quotes from Christ: “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (22:7) Throughout our study of Revelation, I’ve been struck by the notion of “keeping” God’s words in the forefront of my mind. John’s vision makes it clear that God wins in the end and honors those who remain steadfast and true to Him. I keep thinking about the push for instant gratification and indulgence that our culture drives toward with increasing momentum. Is this the enemy’s way of lulling people into complacency? Is he conditioning us to avoid doing what is hard or waiting for what is best and right? As people opt for temporary satisfaction and pleasure, are they forfeiting eternal peace and joy like those who take the mark of the beast? It’s a battle to remain faithful to God and to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, but it’s one well worth fighting.

As the chapter progresses John continues recording Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.” (22:14) Those wearing garments cleansed in the blood of Christ freely enter God’s eternal dwelling and eat from the tree of life. This is an incredible full circle moment redeeming the tragedy of the first garden:

“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the Lord God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.’ So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:21-24, NIV)

To protect them from living eternally in a fallen state, the Lord banishes Adam and Eve from Eden and kills animals to provide garments for them. This is the first time blood will be spilled to cover sin. Now, in Revelation, He clothes His people in garments covered in His blood; His death atones for their sins, the curse has been removed, and they freely eat from the tree of life in God’s eternal city.

In this passage Jesus also describes Himself as “the Root and descendant of David” weaving together the thread of a promise made to King David back in 2 Samuel: “The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: ‘When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom…Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” (2 Samuel 7:11b, 12, 16, NIV)

John ends his book with great anticipation “Both the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let anyone who hears, say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.” (22:17) Dwelling within all believers, the Spirit joyfully awaits Christ’s return. Likewise, His bride, the Church (which includes all followers of Jesus), looks for His return with great expectancy. Yet again, we’re reminded of earlier passages in Scripture that this final statement ties together. Consider this prophecy in Isaiah: “Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs… But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:6b,7a, 9b, 10, NIV)

Jesus’ own words from John’s gospel also speak of living water: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14, NIV)

So many people avoid delving into Revelation. But, as Jen Wilkin reminds us throughout our study, it’s primarily a recapitulation of earlier Scriptures. For years I’ve poured time into studying many books of the Bible but have avoided this final one. While Revelation does have some unsettling content that provides important warnings, it is also a book filled with hope and encouragement for all who call on the name of Jesus. Despite the length of my post, I’ve barely touched on all the threads that weave together to make this beautiful tapestry of God’s Word.

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near…Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (1:3 & 22:20b)

  • Tapestry image from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (public domain). Click here to read the history.
  • Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.
  • All Scripture quoted from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), unless noted otherwise.

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Shining God’s Light

Howling winds whipped through the trees; branches shuddered and crashed into one another as rain pelted the ground. Then, with a loud pop and a flash of sparks, the main electrical transformer in my neighborhood shut down. Powerful gusts had pulled the lines out and left them sizzling in the intersection below. A fire truck blocked traffic at the entrance to my neighborhood and kept curious people like me from getting too close to the live wires. 

After talking with the fire crew and watching them reroute a line of cars, I headed home and discovered my house was cold and dark. I assumed we’d have power back within a few hours, but as the sun sank low, electricity still hadn’t been restored. So, my husband and I found flashlights, added blankets to our bed, and prepared for a cold, dark night. We were discouraged to wake up the next morning and find that the screens on our clocks remained numberless. Ultimately, the power outage lasted for fifty-six long hours. When the lights finally flickered back to life on the evening of the third day, I’d never been so grateful for the electricity I usually take for granted. 

Ironically, the power outage happened the same week I was learning about the construction of the Sanctuary in Exodus. Not surprisingly the description of the lampstand in the Holy Place caught my attention: “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them.” (Exodus 25:31, NIV) Further study revealed this significant detail: “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.” (Leviticus 24:1, NIV)

The Lord instructed Moses to make the Sanctuary’s exterior from animal skins and heavy fabrics, which would shroud the Holy Place inside in utter darkness. So, God told Moses to make a lamp that would be continually burning. As the high priest, it would be Aaron’s job to tend to the lamps every morning and evening so that they would burn without ceasing. They would be a visible reminder of what Scripture tells us: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Savior, we receive the joy, hope, and peace of salvation. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

During the power outage, my husband and I were fortunate to have good friends nearby who shared their electricity with us. Thanks to them, our food stayed cold in their refrigerator, our computers charged in their outlets, and our bodies were cleansed in their hot shower. It would have been a much harder week without these small luxuries. And just as our friends shared their power with us, we are called to do the same with God’s light residing within us.  

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning shades of color. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love affects everyone who encounters it. As we receive God’s love, it changes us so that we color the atmosphere around us by radiating His love, grace, and peace. As conduits of His light, we reflect the Lord’s glory and become sources of hope for a world that is mired in spiritual darkness.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Ask Him to fill you with His presence so you shine brightly wherever you are. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can build community that radiates the warmth of God’s love outward. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Take a moment right now to worship Jesus by enjoying “Light of the World” by We the Kingdom. Click here to listen.  

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 6.

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Light of the World

The little condo wasn’t fancy, but it seemed to have everything we wanted: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small living room and a basic kitchen. It even had covered parking and was within walking distance of downtown. My husband and I were newly married and having fun setting up our home together. However, soon after moving in, we began to discover issues that hadn’t been apparent when we’d toured it with the rental agent. Some problems could be changed, but others were beyond our control. The one that bothered me most was the darkness. Surrounded by towering redwood trees, the condo never got direct sunlight. Over the months, this wore on me and I wanted to be away from home as much as possible.

It wasn’t until we moved a few years later that I realized how much I needed light in my surroundings. I’ll never forget unpacking boxes on the day we moved into our house. Feeling the sun warming my back as I worked in the kitchen filled me with a joyful contentment that I hadn’t experienced at home in quite a while.

So, it’s no surprise when Scripture tells us that the source of all light is God: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5, NIV)

The theme of light and darkness threads throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:1-4, NIV)

John’s gospel opens by describing God’s choice to send His son to earth: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4, NIV) Jesus took this a step further by making a bold statement followed by a promise: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our savior, He gives us joyful contentment. God’s light not only shines on us with His blessings, it also shines through us. Jesus explains this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, we are conduits of His light to a world that is mired in spiritual darkness. We are like sacred solar panels, basking in God’s love, grace, and power. Once we soak it in, we’re called to pass it on to others who need it too. Most of them just don’t know it yet.

When we moved to our home many years ago, I began praying that God would use us as lights in our neighborhood. Over time, that prayer has grown in its scope to include any place where my family encounters other people: school, work, sports teams, community events, volunteer commitments, social gatherings, etc. As I pray, I often envision what a gathering of people looks like from a spiritual perspective. I picture myself with the light of Christ glowing from within me. At those times, I can choose to keep the light to myself or to let it shine so that it can bless others.

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. The rays of light affect everything they touch so that the glow of the sun shines on the water and reflects off the wet sand, creating vibrant hues and stunning scenery. In the same way, the warmth and light of the Lord’s love impacts everyone who encounters it. He intends for it to spread from one individual to another. God’s love changes people and colors the atmosphere around us with His grace and peace.

If you’ve never thought about it before, start inviting God to let His light shine through you. Pray that He’ll give you spiritual eyes whenever you encounter other people. Ask Him to give you the strength and courage to shine brightly when you’re the only Christian at a gathering. Pray that He’ll connect you with other believers so you can radiate the warmth of God’s love together. Draw strength and confidence from Christ’s light within you and let it bless others wherever you go.

Christy Nockels’ song “Life Light Up” made a significant impact on my understanding of being a light to the world. Listen to it and let the lyrics become your prayer today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZ6L6qGR7s

Josh Wilson’s song “Pushing Back the Dark” gave me the courage to ask God to shine His light through me. Listen to the lyrics if you need a little inspiration too.

Lysa TerKeurst, Finding I Am: How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart, Lifeway Press, 2016.