(L)In...
Illustration
(L)
In the poetic imagery of the Book of Revelation, the city of God is described as a place where there would be no temple. That would be quite a jolt to the Jews, to whom the temple was of utmost importance. The logic of this vision is quite apparent, however. No temple would be needed because God's presence is continual in the city of God. Temples were places set apart where people could come into the presence of God. The city of God, by definition, would be a place where God would be continually with his people.
In West Berlin stands a Gothic cathedral -- Kaisar Wilhelm Memorial Church. It was partially destroyed by Allied bombing in World War II, and only the steeple, part of the front door and the narthex remained intact. When the church was reconstructed after the war, it was decided to leave the ruins and build the new church beside them. Against Berlin's skyline now one sees a new tower and a fragmented steeple. It is an effective symbol of war's futility and the need for peace.
An even better symbol is in the narthex. There stands a statue of Christ, arms outstretched, but with one hand missing. It, too, had been lost in the war. Looking at the statue, we are caught with the realization that the only hands Christ has in the world are ours. We must become his hands, if his will is to be done.
That same symbolism is seen in this passage in Revelation. If there is no temple, the relationship with God must happen in some other way. For many people, we are the incarnation of Christ. Through us, his love and will become known. We have an obligation to share his love and his presence through our actions.
-- Aber
In the poetic imagery of the Book of Revelation, the city of God is described as a place where there would be no temple. That would be quite a jolt to the Jews, to whom the temple was of utmost importance. The logic of this vision is quite apparent, however. No temple would be needed because God's presence is continual in the city of God. Temples were places set apart where people could come into the presence of God. The city of God, by definition, would be a place where God would be continually with his people.
In West Berlin stands a Gothic cathedral -- Kaisar Wilhelm Memorial Church. It was partially destroyed by Allied bombing in World War II, and only the steeple, part of the front door and the narthex remained intact. When the church was reconstructed after the war, it was decided to leave the ruins and build the new church beside them. Against Berlin's skyline now one sees a new tower and a fragmented steeple. It is an effective symbol of war's futility and the need for peace.
An even better symbol is in the narthex. There stands a statue of Christ, arms outstretched, but with one hand missing. It, too, had been lost in the war. Looking at the statue, we are caught with the realization that the only hands Christ has in the world are ours. We must become his hands, if his will is to be done.
That same symbolism is seen in this passage in Revelation. If there is no temple, the relationship with God must happen in some other way. For many people, we are the incarnation of Christ. Through us, his love and will become known. We have an obligation to share his love and his presence through our actions.
-- Aber
