February 23: THE HOLY JERUSALEM
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:10
Note the identical wording used earlier: carried me away in the Spirit (17:3), both episodes being preceded by the angel’s invitation: “Come, I will show you . . .” (21:9 & 17:1). The same angel and the same wording make it clear that two different parts of John’s vision are comparing two very different cities.
Chapter 17 of Revelation is a word picture of a harlot, the symbol for an unfaithful church, sitting atop a conglomeration of political powers (symbolized by many waters in v.1). This illicit union of church and state is further symbolized by the woman on a scarlet beast (v.3). She is controlling this beast with seductive power lent to her by Satan himself (see 13:2). Their intercourse wields an enormous amount of earthly power that only grows as churches who had once attempted to escape her clutches give up the fight and return to her, hence her title MOTHER OF HARLOTS (v.5).
Today’s verse, along with subsequent verses, will paint a word picture dramatically different from the seductive, deceptive, manipulative, and controlling tactics of the church that falsely claims to represent Christ. This time, the words great city refer to a city whose inhabitants, out of love for their Savior, trusted the Holy Scriptures to make them wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15 KJV).
The great deceiver has the world in rapt attention, focused on the Middle East, the nation of Israel, and especially Jerusalem, that ancient and war-torn city. But even the Old Testament heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11 knew that the true capital city of peace would be entirely of God’s making (see vv.10,16) and that the inhabitants would be those who allowed Him to remake and restore them in such a way as to see His own character reflected in each one. Jesus soberly pointed out that learning to do the will of My Father in heaven (Matthew 7:21) is essential! This is what is meant by the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It is a reference to the city itself, entirely designed and built by God, inhabited by its citizens. Together, they comprise the bride, the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21:9).
After Saul’s conversion (we know him as Paul), he worked tirelessly to convey to both Jews and Gentiles the truth of the character of God. Because he had gotten it so wrong, he was zealous to save others from misunderstanding Him. Paul gained a deep understanding of just how devious and subtle the enemy can be. The rest of his life was a wholehearted investment in the bride, that she would also issue the joyful invitation to serve the true God of love!
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2