To the bride,
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14 KJV
Perhaps, among the two metaphors in this scripture - light and city - the metaphor of light would resonate more deeply with believers than that of the city, as it is God's first word. What's fascinating is that Jesus employed the analogy of a city to illustrate the concept of light. Was this merely a charming tale that enhances our understanding of light, or is Jesus urging us to contemplate and nurture the seed he sowed in our hearts? Is he summoning us to a deeper understanding?
If the metaphor of the city sheds light on the concept of light, then what does the city itself symbolise? What is this city? It is crucial to comprehend the metaphor of the city to genuinely embody light. After all, we cannot become what we do not understand.
"But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:23 NIV
The union of light and city ignites our hearts with the birth of a profound revelation of the city of Jerusalem. As eloquently described in the Book of Revelation, we begin to grasp that this holy city is filled with light, for it is the very dwelling place of our God.
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Revelation 21:2-3 KJV
As you sit at the feet of Jesus, immersing yourself in his vast sea of wisdom, you may find that it is perfectly acceptable to reach out and grasp the hem of his garment, seeking deeper understanding, even when you think you already know. I firmly believe that when you grasp the metaphorical thread connecting the city and light, you uncover a map leading to a tangible city of light (Your Reality). At that moment, the spirit of understanding begins to prepare you for your role as the radiant bride of the Lamb. And the beauty of it all? It only gets better from there.
One of the many gifts bestowed upon us by the spirit of Understanding, as we stand as the dazzling bride of the Lamb, is the awareness that we are the very temple of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV
In this passage lies a profound parallel to the City itself. Just as God dwells within the holy city, so too does he dwell within each and every one of us. Indeed, one could argue that the city serves as a perfect reflection of ourselves. With joyous anticipation, like a radiant bride awaiting her beloved, we are now led by wisdom to the very heart of the city where our God dwells.
And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Revelation 21:16 KJV
Understanding the nature of our dwelling place is of utmost importance. As we observe, the city of God is measured as a perfect square. Interestingly, this arrangement echoes the Israelites' encampment around the tabernacle in the wilderness. God directed Judah to the east, Ephraim to the west, Reuben to the south, and Dan to the north of the tabernacle, as recorded in the Book of Numbers (Chapter 2).
The plot thickens as we discover the fourfold pattern also present in the throne room of God:
"And before the throne, there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle." (Revelation 4:6–7 KJV).
Some translations refer to these beasts as "living beings." Interestingly, we encounter them in the book of Ezekiel as well, where they are depicted as cherubim who transport the throne of God:
"And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar." (Ezekiel 10:14–15 KJV).
To behold the radiant glory of Jesus Christ, we must enter into the presence of the four-faced cherubim who guard the city where God dwells:
"Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth." (Psalm 80:1 KJV).
Biblical scholars have noted that each of the four faces of the cherubim mirrors an aspect of Jesus Christ. As we approach the throne of God and behold these majestic beings, we catch a glimpse of the fullness and richness of Christ's character, and are inspired to pursue a deeper understanding of his divine nature.
Lion - King
Ox - Servant
Man - Son of Man
Eagle - Son of God
It's no mystery why God placed Cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life, which is Jesus Christ:
"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Genesis 3:24 KJV).
In this passage, we discover the wisdom of God. Though man is easily deceived, God is not. Having cast out Lucifer (who was a Cherubim according to Ezekiel 28:14) from His presence, it was fitting for God to place a Cherubim to guard the way to His presence, so that no unworthy man or angel may pass.
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel." (Revelation 21:12 KJV).
With the Cherubim and the flaming sword standing before us, wisdom speaks with boldness, reminding us of the gift of understanding that we are the very temple of God, so that we may gain access to the tree of life:
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14 NIV).
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7 NIV).
The flaming sword, guarding the way to the tree of life, moves in all directions and would surely prevent those who have not prepared themselves, whose oil has run dry.
“Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
1 Corinthians 3:13 NIV
The city is saturated with the magnificent presence of God, and only those deemed worthy can enter such splendor.
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.
Zechariah 2:5 KJV
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:1-2 NIV
God's glory is an indescribable beauty that surpasses all things in heaven and on earth. Nothing can overshadow the magnificence of the wedding between the bridegroom and his bride. The question raised at the beginning of this letter was, "What is the city?" and we have established that it is the abode of God's presence, guarded by Cherubim and protected by the fire of the Lord. In this city, the river of life flows, and the tree of life yields its fruit every month. It is the dwelling place of Jesus Christ, whose radiance we reflect as his bride, and this radiance is born out of the union between Christ and us.
As we walk gracefully on the great street of the city towards our wedding with the Lamb, wisdom takes off her veil, and the great mystery is revealed - “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” - John 14:20 (NIV)
Today, in our union with Jesus Christ, we carry the presence of God. He has assigned Cherubim to guard us and has placed a wall of fire around us. From our hearts and belly, rivers of living water flow, and we are the planting of the Lord, bearing fruit.
"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
It is crucial to grasp this truth to avoid perishing. Just as Noah entered the ark, we must find our way into the city. In times when deep darkness covers the earth, it is vital that we carry the light of Jesus Christ. We are called to this mission now more than ever.
"Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you." Isaiah 60:1-2 (NLT)
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 21:23 KJV
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
As God's city, we are the custodians of the ark of the covenant. We are called to be the light of the world and guide others into the city. However, for those who seek to partake from the tree of life, they must be baptised by water, spirit, and fire.
Light be,
Enosedeba