Revelation 22:10-14, 22-23 (NRSV)
Devotion
John declares his vision of the New Jerusalem to encourage those persecuted believers to remain faithful and strong. We see a description of the eternal home waiting for us who believe we are in the ascended Jesus, the people of God. The symbolism pictured was obviously understood by John’s reader and hearers. They knew. They visualized. They got it!
For us to attempt to put an exact meaning to all the symbolism might destroy what John wants us to know—that Jesus has been raised in glory and ascended. And our God is the Lord. Yes, Caesar is emperor. But our Lord reigns.
Let the people rejoice. God’s people are a people of hope and blessing. The Holy City reflects the holiness of God, the Lord Almighty himself.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.