Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Hope
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 107:17–22.

Read: Revelation 21:1–22:21 (NIV). As you read the New International Version, note 1–3 insights.

Reflect: Jesus started with Adam and Eve, but they chose another way. He went with Abraham—and that lasted for a while. He called His people out of Egypt and Israel followed for a while with their judges, but eventually they wanted kings. The kings eventually divided their loyalty and lost their mission. Jesus came to reset the mission and started the movement with the disciples. By the power of the Spirit, the movement grew into the church, but it was eventually seduced by power and politics, and like the kings of old, broke down into the fractured organization that exists today with more than 2,000 denominations. 
Jesus says, “I have people who are faithful to me in the Church and out of the Church in Babylon. These people are part of the Great Multitude and they make up the symbolical number of 144,000.” 

John starts to describe the New Jerusalem, which of course rests upon crushed Babylon. A typical practice of old empires was to build their new head office on the ruins of the old city head office, and the measurements equal 144,000. In other words, the city is made for those who have been faithful through all ages—from Adam and Eve—who even though they might have failed in a small battle, the war was not lost . . . they are welcome and part of the city. 

The description of this city is quite spectacular. Every type of incredible and valuable jewel is present. When the temple of Solomon was at its most beautiful point, the sun would rise and reflect on its outer walls each day, dazzling the entire valley. These jewels and the light coming from Jesus are to draw your attention to the real source. 

The measurements are so perfect that they come out as a cube. This in itself is supposed to draw our minds to the Sanctuary, as the only place designed that way was the Most Holy(I Kings 6:20 and 2 Chronicles 3:8). 

Throughout the book, John uses symbolical language to contrast the radical call of Jesus for our lives. These are radical images, drawing on mythological tales, and First Testament stories, pushing our imaginations. All the time, they are strongly contrasting two choices. Even now, when all is done—in strong Hebrew style—John brings radical hope, but reminds us that there is another side that we must never forget. There is another choice. He also contrasts the New Jerusalem with the Babylon that has been thrown deep into the sea. One city is dead and the other city has life and is life—because Jesus is the life. 

Recalibrate: ​​​What would you recreate in the new earth?

Respond: Pray for your imagination to keep on growing.

Research: Read one of the suggested commentaries on these passages.