As John looks upon this amazing vision of the new heavens and the new earth he is told to go and measure it, and the measurements are full of theological significance. First of all, the acreage of the city (about 2200 km/sq) was roughly the same as that of the Roman Empire which told John and his readers that it would completely supplant the existing order. Secondly, it was as high as it was long and wide, in other words, it was a giant cube. Don’t try too hard to picture this; remember, all this is symbolism. The city—and this is the point—had the same dimensions as the Most Holy Place in the temple. In other words, the new world will become the habitation of God. The whole earth will become God’s Most Holy Place and we will live in his presence. David’s prayer will be answered: “One thing I ask from the Lord, one thing I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). Imagine a world so permeated with the presence of God that everything you saw was enhanced by his favour and joy; that every mountain and tree would indeed praise God as it exudes his life and beauty (Psalm 148). I believe we are invited to imagine what it will be like and be filled with a joyful anticipation, because everyone needs something to look forward to.
Reflect on the new earth and praise God for what he is bringing about.
Read Revelation 21:9-21.
