And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. (Revelation 21:23-25)
John chooses his words carefully when describing the light source of this most epic city. He specifically says it’s the light of God’s glory. We’ve seen this before throughout Scripture: Moses on Mount Sinai, the Angel’s announcement to the shepherds, Jesus’ transfiguration, and Paul on the road to Damascus. The light for New Jerusalem will be a few orders of magnitude greater and apparently, permanent!
If we look more closely at recorded encounters with the light, we see it envelops or shines around people. Light doesn’t usually shine all around us; rather, it shines at us from a source. It seems like “glory light” works differently. If we believe God is omnipresent and, indeed, God is light, then light emanates from everywhere at once. Which means this light won’t cast shadows.
God’s light also changes us, like Moses was changed on Mount Sinai. His face shone after seeing his time with God, so much so that he wore a veil for a time. Imagine how brightly we will shine with perfect bodies. We are already called children of light. Indeed, our faith will be made sight. We shall shine the Lord’s light as well!
I personally don’t feel like I am any great light in the world these days. I actually often feel weary of all the battles we find ourselves in, sometimes brought on by our own follies. I long to be whole! I long for my new country, for my new city. I long for perfection and to behold unspoiled things. I long to love without the lingering specter of death promising loss of various descriptions. I long to worship full-heartedly, abandoning myself only to find myself completely in him. I long to know my Father and to do great things with him.
If I can achieve anything in these devotions, let it be to stir in you an eager anticipation for life eternal with Christ, our transcendent King and very best friend.
Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member