Thanks for helping with edits folks, some typos were indecipherable, and there were two such.
We continue our reflections on undergoing and overcoming in Today’s Holy Nougat.
Revelation 3:12 CEB
[12] As for those who emerge victorious, I will make them pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my own new name.
The New Jerusalem
It seems somewhat logical for the pillars to be inscribed with God’s name, but the New Jerusalem? Why even a New Jerusalem? I’m not an expert in eschatology (theology and study of future times, particularly ‘End Time’ prophecies), so what I’ve offered on these verses is partly prayerful speculation, with a dash of research.
We know that this Nougat is part of a longer letter to the Philadelphia church. If we consider the literal context, it said that there was actually a church in Asia Minor by that name. Scholars have indicated that Philadelphia was on a fault line for earthquakes, so the reference to pillars already speaks to stability in the face of ongoing tremors.
Moreover, we are aware that The Temple of God sat in Jerusalem (all others are mere synagogues – go figure!). Scholars suggest that for the devout Jew, that was God’s sole dwelling place. However, we realize that based on the exclusionary laws, it would have been reserved strictly for Jews of direct Israelite decent. (The current conflict over the Holy Land seems to corroborate my argument). If that is so, and the letter was written to a Gentile church, it stands to reason that there would be need for a temple to accommodate everyone, Jew and Gentile.
Sometimes, in my speculations, I also consider that earthly structures will have no place in Heaven. That is based on the need for special clothing, etc., for astronauts in ‘outer space’. It also originates from the Pauline prophecy in 1 Corinthians 15 that speaks to us being transformed from mortality to immortality. For me, it stands to reason that indeed God will establish a new Holy City for all believers to inhabit. With that, the pillars of righteousness would be included in the new city.
But then, that doesn’t wholly explain or justify inscribing New Jerusalem’s name on the pillars. I’ll admit, this time, my thoughts did not go so much to the signature of God’s workmanship in Christ. Rather, my thoughts veered towards relocation. In my context, relocation usually involves marking of boxes to ensure ease of unpacking in the new space. I know it’s a bit of a stretch, but my thinking is that these pillars of righteousness that are earthquake proof would be marked for life in the new city.
Application
Siblings, as far-fetched as my hypothesis may seem, the bigger question is, are we earthquake proof, ready to relocate to God’s New Jerusalem? If we aren’t, there’s this sliver of time remaining – we don’t know for how long – for us to get ourselves in order.
Regardless of which political side we support in any of the global conflicts raging around us, the very frequency of wars and rumours thereof speak volumes. So does the climate emergency, and the scramble to find a ‘new (inhabitable) earth’. Bronson, Musk, NASA, and others can attest to that.
Our task, therefore, is to ensure that we live lives that please our Lord and God. We live for God’s pleasure in this earth, not humans. Those who overcome … are inscribed with the name of the New Jerusalem. Let’s plan to be there.
Point to Ponder
What are the stumbling blocks that prevent our overcoming? Are we ready for Y’shua to overturn them?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
