Throughout the Bible, we learn that God’s true followers are the bride of Christ. This includes the Jews and Gentiles who are adopted into the fold of Jesus. We learn about this all throughout the New Testament. Two such verses read the following. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” (Matthew 25:1,2) “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2) However, what people do not realize is that the New Jerusalem also makes up the bride of Christ. We read, “and there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” (Revelation 21:9,10) And for believers in Jesus to dwell in this blessed city makes it complete, for Christ will be with us. Amen.
The New Jerusalem will be the most amazing city we have ever set our eyes upon. You may have been to places around the globe that have taken your breath away, but it will be nothing compared to this holy city. Even our mansions could very well be in this city. John wrote about the New Jerusalem and said it is “having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.” (Revelation 21:11-15) Three is so much more to read about, but know that this city is beautiful in every way. Those who love the Lord and also do His will, will be able to enter through the gates and into this marvelous city. May you be one of these people. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, prepare us now to enter the house of the Lord, even New Jerusalem. I know that this great city will come down during the times of the new earth and new heaven, after every person is judged. But it is my prayer that You will help me in this life and give me the strength to endure life’s trials. Temptations can be hard to resist, but doing Your will is far better than the consequences of sin. I am just so grateful that Your blood has covered me and that I am made whole. You have cleansed me from all my sins and placed me on a path of righteousness. Truly, Your holiness is in me and helps me live differently than I once lived. It is no longer about me trying to live for You, but a lifestyle change. Through You, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I am born again. Thank You for rescuing me and for putting Your light in my life. It is my desire to see many more people be saved. For this reason, I go out on mission trips and on the streets to witness Your truths to people. Will every person accept Your gospel message? Absolutely not, but some will. I go after the few who will turn from their sins and follow You, Jesus. You give me the boldness and courage to talk to every person I can. I love You, Lord. I trust in You. Amen.