November 6, 2004

THE LIGHT OF THE CITY

"The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light" (Revelation 21:23, NKJV).

In a glowing description of the brilliance and splendor of the Holy City, John the Beloved paints an enthralling portrait of Jesus as the light of the city. The dazzling illumination of the celestial metropolis is the One who is the light of the world.

This city of breath-taking beauty is made all the more resplendent and glorious by the glowing effulgence of Jesus, the source of light. The alluring lights of Paris, London, New York, and a thousand cities of the world pale into insignificance when contrasted with the effulgence of Christ in the Holy City. The natural light-giving bodies will not be needed for the illumination of the celestial city because the "Lamb is its light" (Revelation 21:23, NKJV). Even at their greatest brilliance, the sun and moon could give no added light in the presence of the shekinah glory of the Son of God. Created lights cannot outshine the glory of Christ's divine presence. No human mind can fully comprehend the glory and splendor of Christ's illuminating presence in the resplendent metropolis of the kingdom of glory.

In gripping language describing the lighting system of the Holy City, Ellen G. White writes, "The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day."--The Great Controversy, p. 676.

My Prayer Today: Lord, of light, Your redeemed children rejoice that You will be the light of the Holy City. May I always walk in Your light. Amen.