There are many mysteries in our faith; but there’s one that’s noticeable on a very practical level: we know the death and resurrection of Jesus has changed everything, that it’s somehow made things better for those who follow the Good Shepherd, and yet outwardly, it seems very little has changed. Disciple or not, everyone faces challenges in life and is left with questions about what Easter has changed. In short, we’re not yet at the end of the story. We live in that part of history between the climax and the ‘happily ever after’. Easter has guaranteed a joyful ending, but there’s still a more of the story to be revealed.

I’ve met some who can’t stand waiting to get to the end of a story, who want to know now how everything will be all wrapped up. This person isn’t bothered by spoilers and might read the last few pages of a new book before opening the first chapter. If that’s you, if you like to get a preview of the end, then the Book of Revelation, from where today’s second reading comes from, is for you.

The Book of Revelation reveals God’s final plan, it’s the ‘happily ever after’ God has arranged for his people, the last brushstroke of his masterpiece. This final book of the Bible is the record of a dream that Saint John had of that moment. So, while it does reveal truths about the end of time, it does so often using figurative language. By breaking down some of the symbols, we can get an idea of what God’s plan is, where we fit into it and how we might prepare.

First, we discover that God’s ultimate plan is not to remove his people from creation or to destroy his creation. Instead, he introduces the New Jerusalem, the gift of a perfect city. Cities have always been problematic. On one hand, cities encompass the best civilization has to offer. The best schools, hospitals and museums are usually found in cities. Cities often hold centres of justice, healing and governance. The city of Jerusalem is where God was given right praise and worship in the temple and where his written message was preserved. But there’s also a lot that’s wrong with cities. At one point, Satan tempted Jesus by offering all the cities of the earth, implying that the devil has a lot of control in our cities. The deadliest crimes are often committed in cities and many social problems, like homelessness or hunger, are rooted in cities. 

It shouldn’t be a surprise because cities are constructed according to the designs of faulty human builders. The best cities ever conceived in the minds of the greatest architects will always contain faults. So long as our cities are built according to the plans of imperfect human beings, something will always be lacking.

The gift of The New Jerusalem is different kind of city, constructed according to the plans of God. We’re told that it radiates like a rare jewel; it’s a place of beauty. The citizens of this city never obscure the beauty of God’s city with graffiti or vandalism but complement it through harmony and united purpose, like different pieces of stained glass making one great image.

God’s city features a thick wall and many gates. While the gates allow God’s people to freely enter the city, there’s also a wall, not to be an obstacle but to set the identity of the city apart from the influence of the wilderness. The walls offer freedom to God’s people from the anxieties of survival and scarcity.

Finally, a key feature of God’s city is the lack of a temple. Our cities are often divided up, highlighting areas for working, entertainment, living and shopping; so many things happen in our cities, but not all these things are directed towards God or reveal his glory. Today, we need places of worship because of that shortcoming. In God’s city, however, there’s no need for a dedicated place of worship because all things, all activities and efforts give God praise. Because God’s presence is everywhere and in all things, God’s city has no night or shadows, dark alleys or areas to avoid. That’s God’s city built according to his plans and while we know we can’t do any better, maybe this image of the New Jerusalem presents a challenge to us to examine what it is we do build.

The New Jerusalem challenges us to consider how we build up our world through our care for creation. The New Jerusalem challenges us to question how we build up our nation and community through our concern for the wellbeing of others. The New Jerusalem challenges us to question how we build up our homes through the values we hold and the lessons we teach our children. The New Jerusalem challenges us to examine how we build up our lives by using the gifts God has given each of us according to his commandments. To prepare for the gift of the New Jerusalem, our challenge is to let go of our own plans, as good as they may be, to acknowledge, accept, adopt and praise the great plans of God. While waiting for the great end of the story, we long for the gift of God’s city by building reminders here.

We praise you, God of all, for revealing your plans for our redemption. Through the help of your Holy Spirit, may we adopt your plans so our world, nation, community, homes and lives would conform to your will and radiate your love. May the presence of our Saviour, received here, dwell in us, guide us and build within us a longing for the promised New Jerusalem. We offer all our prayers in his name. Amen.