On a Mountain in Resurrection to See New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem is mentioned as the wife of the Lamb in Revelation 19 and is fully presented in Revelation 21–22. But before that, there is a contrast in Revelation 17–18.
An angel carried the apostle John “away in spirit into a wilderness” to see the harlot Babylon (Rev. 17:3). The wilderness characterizes Babylon, which originated from Babel (Gen. 11).
To see New Jerusalem the angel carried John “away in spirit onto a great and high mountain” (21:10). In the New Testament a mountain is often the place for a wonderful revelation; examples are the Lord’s speaking about the kingdom in Matthew 5–7 and His transfiguration in Matthew 17.
The principle of the tower of Babel involves the attempt to build up something from earth to reach unto heaven. When men built this tower, they used bricks….Stone is made by God….Bricks are a human invention, a human product….Babylon represents man’s ability….It does not seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance; it does all things by human effort. Everything consists of bricks baked by man; everything depends upon man’s action. Those who are according to this principle do not see that they are limited; rather, they attempt to do the Lord’s work by their own natural ability….They think that man’s ability can suffice for spiritual things.*
In contrast, New Jerusalem is a city in resurrection, a city brought forth by the resurrection life, Christ Himself. When we repent and receive Christ, He comes into us to be our life. Now He is growing in us for the building up of His Body. Ephesians 4:16 tells us that there is a supply out from Christ which “causes the growth of the Body unto the building up of itself in love.” This growth and building in His life brings forth New Jerusalem.
* From chapter 5 of The Glorious Church by Watchman Nee, published and © by Living Stream Ministry, available at www.ministrybooks.org/books.cfm and www.livingstream.com/en/the-church/8012401-glorious-church-the.html.
Photo courtesy of pixabay.com.
Posted by Don on April 18, 2022
