Exploring the Scripture

Today’s text was written for first-century Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day eastern Turkey). Apocalyptic writings focus on “end times” and use graphic imagery and symbolism to show God’s supreme involvement in history. They were common in Jewish, Christian, and Greco-Roman communities from 200 BCE to 100 CE. The writings were not meant to be understood as a literal prediction of the future, but rather to enable the hearers facing persecution to have hope. This was a letter written to be read to the church community.

In the Book of Revelation, we hear of many visions. Today’s text is the last vision, in which John was carried to a great, high mountain. He was shown the Holy City of Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The brightness and vastness of this city were beyond imagination, and it was where God was with the people. There was no temple in this new Jerusalem because God was present. The city was enormous, and the city’s length, width, and height all were equal. There were high walls and gates around the city. However, contrary to traditional models of cities, the four gates always were open.

A river “of the water of life” flowed from the throne of God. On the riverbank was the tree of life, which produced fruit all year long. Its leaves provided healing to the nations. There was no need for lights, as there was no night in this new creation, for God was their light.

The first hearers of this letter were persecuted brutally by the Roman Empire, which claimed it reigned forever. The early Christians now were hearing that God reigns forever. God’s vision for humanity will triumph. In God’s new creation, the new Jerusalem, everyone is equal, everyone is of value, and everyone is welcome.

It is about radical openness and hospitality. The New Jerusalem is a place where all are welcome; it is not a gated community. It is a place for everyone. There is abundance. There is enough for all.

This new city’s way of life will use its vision (this “new” medicine) to heal the world’s nations, and they are invited to come see how to live in a sacred community where God is present. In this vision of a sacred community, genuine, supportive relationships are formed. This way of being in community is the real way to peace. “The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations” (v 22:2).

We, too, live in a time when nations and people seek to build walls of division between one another. Revelation provides a vision of an alternative way of living. The New Jerusalem, the peaceable reign of God, shows us how a new humanity can live together. We are invited to create and offer this sacred community to our world. We can have a way to live in relationship with God, ourselves, our neighbors, and our planet differently. What new vision is straining to be born in you and your community?

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Apocalyptic writings enable the hearers to have hope for the future; they are not meant to be understood as a literal prediction.
2. A vision of New Jerusalem shows that God is greater than Rome (or any other nation, city, or corporation).
3. The city of God is a place of welcome for everyone.
4. This new way of living is an example of a new humanity. It will bring peace to the world.

Questions to Consider

1. What vision of New Jerusalem, the peaceable reign of God, do you see? What does it look like?
2. Where do you see the hope of a new humanity needing to be born?
3. What needs to happen so this new community begins to come about where you live?