Thursday, February 14, 2008

The City of God

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." Hebrews 13:14 (ESV).

A few weeks ago, my wife and I had the chance to vacation in New York City for a few days. We had a great time. While there, I obseverd that New Yorkers, as a group, seem extremely loyal to their city. One of our cab drivers proudly exclaimed, "New York. . .the greatest city in the World!" I would agree that it is a great place to visit, but, quite frankly, it still leaves a lot to be desired. I thought to myself, "Is this as good as it gets?" "Is this truly man's greatest city?"

In sharp contrast, I thought of God's promise of a new city - the City of God. "The ultimate goal of redemption will not be realized merely in a return to the pristine beginning of the garden. A new imagery of paradise arises in Scripture - the imagery of a city, of a hustling bustling center of activity for the redeemed." O. Palmer Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, Co. 1980. p. 107

It is upon those streets which I wish to walk. It is there I will place my citizenship . . .in the new Jerusalem.

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