Devotional 08 May 2025

May 08, 2025 • Steve Torres

Revelation 21:15.jpg

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, descends in glory. John beholds it with awe—and so should we—for in these verses, God reveals not just a vision of heaven, but a picture of the Church: secure, glorious, and active in the world. Let us also awe in the glory of the splendor.

"It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates." (Revelation 21:12-13, ESV)

This wall signifies the security and holiness of the New Covenant community—God’s people sealed and set apart (Zech. 2:5; Isa. 60:18). Its twelve gates, named after Israel’s tribes, reveal the Church’s continuity with the Old Covenant. The Gospel is for both Jew and Gentile, forming one new people in Christ (Rom. 11:17–24; Eph. 2:14–16). The twelve angels are not mere decoration—they symbolize divine protection and oversight (Heb. 1:14), guarding the way into God’s holy habitation.

These inscribed names remind us: the Church is not a break from God’s promises, but their fulfillment. As Paul teaches, “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring” (Gal. 3:29). God’s plan from the beginning was a single people united in Christ.

"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:14)

The Church is built on Christ’s messengers (Eph. 2:20). Their witness, preserved in the Scriptures, forms our unshakeable foundation. Jesus prayed for those who would believe through their word (John 17:20), and that includes us.

"And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. (Revelation 21:15-17)

A perfect cube—twelve thousand stadia in every direction. This recalls the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs. 6:20), now magnified to cosmic proportions. The New Jerusalem is the ultimate Holy Place, and God’s people are His dwelling (Heb. 9:24; Rev. 21:3). The number twelve symbolizes divine government over creation, completeness, and the fullness of God’s people.

"The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass." (Revelation 21:18)

Jasper reflects God’s glory and purity (Rev. 4:3). The city is glorious because God Himself dwells within her. “Walk about Zion… consider her ramparts…” (Ps. 48:12–13), the Church’s security is in the Lord.

Gold symbolizes divine glory (Ex. 24:10), and its transparency shows purity and openness before God. There is nothing hidden or defiled. In Christ, the veil is torn, and we have bold access into God’s presence (Heb. 10:19–22).

"The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst." (Revelation 21:19-20)

Each foundation shines with unique jewels: reminders that diversity in the Church is by design. Isaiah foresaw this: “I will lay your foundations with sapphires…” (Isa. 54:11–12). Paul echoes it: “If anyone builds… with gold, silver, precious stones…” (1 Cor. 3:12). Every member contributes beauty, value, and distinctiveness to the Body of Christ.

"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass." (Revelation 21:21)

Pearls are born through suffering—formed when something foreign enters a wound. So it is with costly grace (Matt. 13:45–46). Each gate is a single pearl: access to God is possible only through the sacrifice of Christ. What cost Him everything now welcomes us freely.

This is the path of fellowship with God and His people (1 John 1:7). A “Way of Holiness” (Isa. 35:8) where we walk in light, unhindered and unashamed. This is not merely a future vision, it begins now in the Church, as we reflect heaven on earth.

Beloved, this is who we are: not a weak remnant, but a radiant city; not a scattered people, but a unified Bride adorned for her Husband. The Church reflects the Kingdom’s glory in its love, truth, and good works. We must not hide this light. Christ said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14).

Let us shine. Let us walk the golden streets of holiness now. Let us open the pearl gates wide with the Gospel. Let the brilliance of our diverse gifts dazzle a darkened world. The Church is not waiting for glory: it is advancing it.

Lift your head, City of God. You are His dwelling place.

-steve