KEY VERSE: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God (…). The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.“ — Revelation 21:2, 24

Every country on Earth has a city that houses its government; it is generally called the capital. For the United States, it is Washington, D.C.; for France, Paris; for Haiti, Port-au-Prince. For the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the New Jerusalem, where God reigns over the visible world and the universe as the King of Kings. Jesus declares, speaking to the church of Philadelphia:

“The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.“ — Revelation 3:12

The New Jerusalem is the capital of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a bustling metropolis like Paris, New York, London, or Dubai, but on a much grander scale. It has houses (John 14:2), streets (Revelation 21:21), parks (Revelation 22:2), and lighting (Revelation 21:23). In this city, you will find delicious food (Revelation 3:20), beautiful music (Revelation 5:9; 14:3; 15:3), stunning architecture (Revelation 21:19), and diverse ethnic groups (Revelation 21:24).

The New Jerusalem is a real city with breathtaking dimensions. In John’s vision, an angelic being was sent to measure it. The Bible says:

“The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 2,200 kilometers; its length, width, and height were equal.“ — Revelation 21:16-17 (SG21)

Think about it: a city that is 2,200 km long, 2,200 km wide, and 2,200 km high. That is enormous! Let me help you put this into perspective. The area of Port-au-Prince is 36 km², Paris measures 105.40 km², Washington, D.C. is 177 km², and New York covers 1,214.4 km². The area of the New Jerusalem is 2,200 × 2,200 km, which equals 4,840,000 km²! That is gigantic!

The New Jerusalem is “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.“ — Hebrews 11:10 (LSG)
The heavenly Jerusalem is the city on a hill. Nevertheless, it is a real city. John takes the time to emphasize this by mentioning the word ten times (Revelation 21:2, 10, 14, 15, 16 [twice], 18, 19, 21, 22). Why? Because national transformation begins at the city level. The Bible says concerning the Heavenly Jerusalem: “The nations will walk by its light…“ — Revelation 21:24 (LSG).

The secret to national development lies in the city. You transform a nation one city at a time. God does not just want to dwell in your church; He wants to dwell in your city. After describing the structure and splendor of the Heavenly Jerusalem, the City of God, John said:

“I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” — Revelation 21:22 (LSG)

In heaven, God does not dwell in a temple; He dwells in the city. God wants to invade your city. Bless your city (Proverbs 11:11 LSG); Pray for your city (Genesis 19:29 LSG). Get involved in your city (Deuteronomy 19:12; 21:2; Joshua 20:4; Ruth 4:12 LSG).

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.“ — Jeremiah 29:7 (LSG)

— The Word of the Lord.

PRAYER
Lord, I desire to be aware of what is happening in my city and to be a voice for positive change. Holy Spirit of God, lead me. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

APPLICATION
You are an instrument where God has placed you, so shine accordingly, reflect His image, and influence others.

This text is an excerpt from the book “BUILDING A HOLY NATION: THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY” written by Pastor Gregory Toussaint.

We invite you to read the following article: “THE CHURCH MUST SEEK GOD’S WILL FOR THE NATION”.