Please read Revelation chapters 20 and 21, take a few deep breaths, and imagine the following.

You’re exiled on the island of Patmos. Jesus has just shown up and given you the most astonishing apocalyptic vision. After seeing and hearing Jesus and angels and terrifying heavenly creatures and four horsemen and trumpets and plagues and beasts and dragons and battles, watch as the beautiful new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God. It shines with the glory of God, and somehow is clear as crystal. As best you can, imagine that holy city in a way that makes sense and is beautiful to you. What emotions does it invoke?

Remember back to Eden. Remember that God created so as to dwell in the temple of creation with his Living Images—humans—walking and talking with us in the sacred space of the Garden. As you’re marveling at the New Jerusalem, hear a voice from the throne say: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them…. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain….” Picture Jesus standing in front of you. Let him see your tears. Then let him take your face in his hands, look into your eyes with complete love, and wipe your tears away.

What does it mean to you that there is no temple in this holy city, that God and the Lamb ARE its temple? Imagine what it will be like to have no separation between God and yourself, knowing that every step you take is in sacred space, seeing the Living Light of God illuminating everything, aware that you can both see and be seen completely clearly, without judgment or shame. Let the freedom of that fill your heart.

Think back again to Eden. Remember the river that flowed from its center to water and give life to the Garden? Here, again, in the Garden City, a river flows—clear as crystal—this time from the throne, giving life to all, and the Living Water is Jesus. See him offer you a drink. Receive it and drink deeply. Be refreshed. Take from the Tree of Life and pray for healing for the nations of this world.

Now, to the One who is the First and the Last—who holds all of forever and has won the victory for us—let these words arise from your heart: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

-Lori Duncan