By: Juliet Constantine

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, (Revelation 21:10)

“John saw a City that could not be hid, John saw this city, oh yes he did. John saw a glimpse of the Golden Throne, tell me all about it, go right on, around the Throne he saw a crystal sea, there’s got to be more what will it be? I want to go to the City he saw, New Jerusalem. Jerusalem, I want to walk your streets that are golden, and I want to run where the angels have trod. Jerusalem I want to rest on the banks of your river, to the city, the City of God!” (The Hoppers).

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, saw - in vision - the New Jerusalem descending to Earth after the 1000 years vacation in Heaven of God’s saints shortly after the wicked dead were resurrected. John saw that City, in all its splendor and glory and he recorded it so that those living after his time can know that it is true. God will create the capital of the New Earth – the New Jerusalem.

John wasn’t the first to record details of this City and he wasn’t the last either. Each recorder gave a little more detail but it’s the same City they all wrote about. Ezekiel (ch. 48) said the name of this New City will be “The Lord is There”. (vs 35). And, as if to reinforce the truth of the new City, in the 18th century other visions were given of this beautiful place. The Hoppers’ must have been under inspiration when they penned the song, “Jerusalem”. And the common expression of all was and is the same - they all want to remain or go there! Why? The desire isn’t only because of the beauty of the place – although that will be an added bonus. We all want to go because The Lord will be there.

As we encounter our various challenges and struggles on this Earth, we have nothing to fear. With Jesus at our head we are assured that troubles won’t last long. Why, we have read the last chapter of the Book and we know how it will all climax. Jesus promised that He would return for us. He went away to prepare this beautiful place for His children. He promised that if He go He would come again! We know that He went away and are fully assured that He is coming back soon! Are you longing for Heaven, yearning to enter those pearly gates? Are you packed and ready to go? The Lord is there.

One of my favorite 18th Century Christian Author was so moved with the revelation of the New Jerusalem and all that she saw led her to exclaim: “The wonderful things I there saw, I cannot describe. Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world.”(CET pg 63).

“John saw a lion laid down by the lamb, I wanna know everything about that land. John saw the day but he did not see night, well the Lamb of God, He must the light! He saw the saints worship the Great I am, crying worthy, worthy, is the Lamb. I want to go to the city he saw, New Jerusalem!” (Hoppers). Do you? It takes more than wishing and hoping. Are you packed and ready to go?

Oh my Father, thank You for all the preparations that You’ve made for us. We long for that day when Jesus will return and take us home. Until then, keep us faithful we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)