Heavenly Jerusalem

 Heavenly Jerusalem

A Reflection on Revelation 21:1-4, 10-14, and Hebrews 12:22-24

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2)

Heavenly Jerusalem—not a city made by human hands,

But a dwelling place of God, a holy, promised land.

It descends from heaven like a bride adorned,

A place of peace and glory, where sorrow is not born.

The streets of gold, the gates of pearl,

A city that will never unfurl.

No sun, no moon, but the glory of God,

The Lamb is its lamp, the light they trod.

It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. (Revelation 21:11)

Heavenly Jerusalem—the home of the redeemed,

Where every tear is wiped away, where hope is not a dream.

No more death, no more mourning, no more crying or pain,

For the former things have passed away, and all is made new again.

The river of life flows from the throne,

Crystal clear, like a precious stone.

The tree of life stands by the river's side,

With leaves that heal and fruit that will abide.

The twelve gates bear the names of the tribes of Israel,

The twelve foundations bear the names of the apostles.

A city of unity, a city of grace,

A city where God dwells, face to face.

And the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. (Revelation 22:1-2)

Heavenly Jerusalem—not just a future hope,

But a present reality that helps us cope.

For we have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God,

To the heavenly Jerusalem, the place the saints have trod.

We are citizens of this city, though we dwell on earth,

We live with an eternal perspective, a heavenly birth.

We fix our eyes on the city that is to come,

And we run the race with patience, until the race is won.

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly. (Hebrews 12:22)

Heavenly Jerusalem—I long for that day,

When I will see Your face and forever stay.

No more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow or death,

Only Your presence, Your glory, Your everlasting breath.

Come, Lord Jesus, come—bring that city near,

Let us dwell in Your presence, and never fear.

Heavenly Jerusalem—our home, our hope, our rest,

Our eternal dwelling, where we are forever blessed.

Amen.