Revelation 21:9-27

How do we keep going in the hardships of life?

"Take Heart"

Jesus says to John, and relays to us that we must rest assured that Jesus is control of it all. Then end is worth everything we go through in life.

We must remember that in this passage we are in the realm of vision. Where something that appears as one, will actually be another. Where the symbols are there to catch our hearts, rather than our often literal minds.

The Bride and the City

God's church, represented as the bride, are the most treasured thing to Jesus. Our relationship with God is extremely intimate, but also beautiful and social, like the city John is shown by the angel. Everything we long for is represented in the city. The fulfillment of all our pains and yearnings on earth. The perfect relationship with God will be like living in a perfect city, with the perfect marital partner. A life of bliss and worship. The community we will have in that city is like the most perfect and beautiful jewel you have ever seen, reflecting the light of God's glory.

Often when we fall into sin we forget that we were made for that place. We were made for so much more than a life of sin and destruction. Reminding yourself of God who cares for you deeply can lift those burdens. The power of the gospel can take away our fears and failings.

Can we be sure?

How can we be sure that this will last? What if this is another Eden? The angel showed John the walls of the city. The walls that are unimaginably high and cannot be penetrated. These walls represent the safety and security of our future in Christ and God's Holy City. Our life and the blessings of a life in God are secure, along with all His people. The foundations of the City are the Gospel proclaimed by the Apostles. So if you put your trust in the gospel, you have a sure foundation. The size of this city also means that there is room for everyone. No-one will be left out of this community.

All this imagery is there to assure us. When life is hard, don't give up! God is there for you and He has so much in store for you, and this city will magnify the effect of grace in our lives. We are not perfect, but God's grace means we can be renewed and made perfect. The cost of making this perfect jewel was not too high for Jesus. He gave up everything, including His bond with God and His perfect life for this jewel to be given to all of us who trust in Him.