The Bride – the City (Rev. 21:9-27)

[Sung Psalm: 87]

[We regret that the first few minutes of this sermon were lost. Please see the transcript.]

Ezekiel sees a vision of the New Jerusalem – the heavenly Jerusalem – the holy city that John also sees in his vision.

Ezekiel's vision is particularly geared for the exiles in Babylon. Remember how it started? "In the twenty-fifth year of our exile... in the fourteenth year after the city was struck down"

Jeremiah had said that the exile would last for 70 years.

Ezekiel was among those who had been exiled to Babylon – and who spent their whole lives in Babylon. This means that all the adults who heard Ezekiel were going to die in exile. Maybe some of the children would be able to return when they were old! But it's going to be a long time.

That's also why John writes to you! You live in Babylon. You live in a world where things aren't the way they should be!!

And it's going to be a while before Jesus makes everything right. But just like in Ezekiel's vision – so also in John's! While you live in exile – while you live in this world in which things are not the way they should be – you need to see a vision – not just of what should be – but what will be!!

And through the eyes of faith we begin to see the heavenly city! Because, by faith, we see Jesus!