“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Revelation 21:23
Read Revelation 21:22-27
Our modern cities are lit up with many street lights, blazing neon billboards
and all kinds of spotlights; we can speak not only of air pollution but also
of light pollution. However, man’s artificial lights cannot overshadow the
lights God created, the sun and the moon. When the lights of a city go out
due to lack of power, the sun will continue to beam its direct beams and the
moon its indirect light. It is against this background that we are made aware
of another Light in the New Jerusalem. This city does not receive its light
from artificial sources, nor from the sun or the moon; these are no longer
necessary. We are now confronted with a completely different dimension; it
is not part of the creation but of the re-creation.
The light that will shine so brilliantly is the glory of God; the Lamb is its
main light. This makes us think of the candlestick that burned in the tabernacle
and the ten candlesticks that lit the temple. These were the only
sources of light in the holy place. God Himself is light, and there is no
darkness in Him; his holiness, majesty and intrinsic being are perfect light.
Moreover, we can speak of the light of God’s countenance and of His grace,
which dispels all the darkness of sin, guilt and death. This directs us to
God as the Light, to Christ who is the Light of the world and to the Holy
Spirit who enlightens our understanding. How blessed are the people who
experience the light of the triune God. That which will one day be perfect
ought to be the longing of our hearts. The sanctification of God’s people
requires that they walk in the light and avoid darkness. He that followeth
me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).
This means we must follow the Lord, that we may arrive at the city of light
and be given light in all its fullness.
Thought: In the light of God’s Word, you will be able to find your way.
Psalter 94:2,4 (based on Psalm 36)
Lord, Thou preservest man and beast; Since Thou art ever kind,
Beneath the shadow of Thy wings We may a refuge find.
The fountain of eternal life Is found alone with Thee,
And in the brightness of Thy light We clearly light shall see.
