Today I read in chapters 20 and 21.
These great chapters describe the millennial reign of the Lord. in chapter 20, Satan is bound. We know that Satan is not bound physically, or even metaphorically. Symbolically speaking, though, he is bound because of the righteousness of the people. He simply will not have any power to tempt them. Verse three mentions that he will not have power to deceive nations. Satan's deceptions are great, and he works best in darkness. Thus, to chase away darkness we must seek to the light. One of my companions on my mission taught me that all of the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light from one candle. I must let my light shine to the world, bringing what light I can, to illuminate those who need light. As we share light with each other, our own light and perception are enhanced.
Chapter 20 ends with the judgement of the world. People are judged out of things that are written in books available to the Lord, including the book of life. The other books are perhaps the scriptures, as well as the words of the living prophets and the leaders we raise our hands to sustain. I hope that when the books are opened I am not found lacking.
Chapter 21 begins with a new heaven and a new earth. The City of Zion - the New Jerusalem - comes down out of heaven. The promise in verse three is just amazing - the tabernacle of God (Christ) is with men and He will dwell with them (us - me, hopefully!). This is absolutely stunning in its simplicity and beauty. God Himself, once again, will come and dwell with His people. Only this time, we will all acknowledge who He is and worship Him. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Verse three ends with the phrase "...they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." This reminded me of Jeremiah 32:37-42:
37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
42 For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
Chapter 21 verse four is so beautiful. God will wipe away the tears from our eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Please, Dear God, please - make me worthy of such a blessing!
Verse seven is my fondest hope. Truly.
The remainder of the chapter gives a physical description of the City which came down from heaven. It will be a large City, with twelve gates - three set in each wall, the walls forming a square. The square is large enough to accommodate all those who would like to live therein. I am not getting too much into the meanings of the different stones set in the twelve gates (one gate for each tribe of Israel), although undoubtedly there are meanings associated with each. The point is (or seems to me to be) that each gate is specific and set with precious jewels. The gates themselves are pearls (a symbol of wisdom). I particularly appreciate the idea that there is no need for the sun or moon because the City will be full of light - the Lamb is the Light, and all those who are saved shall walk in the Light.
Ah, how glorious! How wonderful!
These great chapters describe the millennial reign of the Lord. in chapter 20, Satan is bound. We know that Satan is not bound physically, or even metaphorically. Symbolically speaking, though, he is bound because of the righteousness of the people. He simply will not have any power to tempt them. Verse three mentions that he will not have power to deceive nations. Satan's deceptions are great, and he works best in darkness. Thus, to chase away darkness we must seek to the light. One of my companions on my mission taught me that all of the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light from one candle. I must let my light shine to the world, bringing what light I can, to illuminate those who need light. As we share light with each other, our own light and perception are enhanced.
Chapter 20 ends with the judgement of the world. People are judged out of things that are written in books available to the Lord, including the book of life. The other books are perhaps the scriptures, as well as the words of the living prophets and the leaders we raise our hands to sustain. I hope that when the books are opened I am not found lacking.
Chapter 21 begins with a new heaven and a new earth. The City of Zion - the New Jerusalem - comes down out of heaven. The promise in verse three is just amazing - the tabernacle of God (Christ) is with men and He will dwell with them (us - me, hopefully!). This is absolutely stunning in its simplicity and beauty. God Himself, once again, will come and dwell with His people. Only this time, we will all acknowledge who He is and worship Him. I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Verse three ends with the phrase "...they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." This reminded me of Jeremiah 32:37-42:
37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
42 For thus saith the Lord; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
Chapter 21 verse four is so beautiful. God will wipe away the tears from our eyes, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Please, Dear God, please - make me worthy of such a blessing!
Verse seven is my fondest hope. Truly.
The remainder of the chapter gives a physical description of the City which came down from heaven. It will be a large City, with twelve gates - three set in each wall, the walls forming a square. The square is large enough to accommodate all those who would like to live therein. I am not getting too much into the meanings of the different stones set in the twelve gates (one gate for each tribe of Israel), although undoubtedly there are meanings associated with each. The point is (or seems to me to be) that each gate is specific and set with precious jewels. The gates themselves are pearls (a symbol of wisdom). I particularly appreciate the idea that there is no need for the sun or moon because the City will be full of light - the Lamb is the Light, and all those who are saved shall walk in the Light.
Ah, how glorious! How wonderful!
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