“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” – Revelation 21:23
Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27
Today, we celebrate the incarnation of Christ as the Light of the world. In the new heavens and earth, where our dwelling with God will be perfect, we shall see clearly, for we shall see Christ, Who is the light of God, face to face, and He shall illumine all things. Now we see as through a glass darkly, but then we shall see clearly.
No temple is in the city, because God dwells with His people and they with Him in perfect fellowship. There is no sun or moon because Christ Himself perfectly radiates God. The glory of God radiates everywhere, so the nations walk in His light. Haggai prophesied a day when God would shake the earth and the wealth of the nations would pour into the temple. Believers are the precious jewels that come pouring into this radiant fellowship with God. John sees the gates of the city open, and people from all nations entering. But no one and nothing evil shall be found within the gates, within the wall. Only the glory and honour of the nations, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, are found in this city. All impurity, falsehood and what is detestable will not be found in the city coming down out of heaven.
If we have done shameful, impure things, do we have hope? Yes, there is forgiveness in Christ, Who took on flesh to bear our guilt. Everyone who trusts Him has their name written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Suggestions for prayer
Praise God for the birth of Jesus, Who took on flesh to take away our guilt so that we could be restored to perfect fellowship with God. Thank God for the purity we have in Jesus, and our eternal fellowship with our Triune God.
Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
