These are solemn scenes in this week’s study! Yet where do they lead?
- to the beauty of the transformed city of God (of Rev. 22).
That pure and holy city, lighted up
by the glory of God and the Lamb, figures as
the greatest reality in this narrative. That city is new Jerusalem,
our final place of refuge and joy - as sealed believers!
The scripture focus in Romans, chapter eight’s message that sinful humans can be a part of this glory, links us into this awesome story into which we can place ourselves in our mind's eye. We can be citizens of this glorious and incomprehensible city.This scripture focus - just like the entire message of Scripture - is our food and drink. Focusing on the reality and truth and power of this word from Romans teaches us the key to our daily walk of faith - this key comes in walking after the Spirit.
(Not a denial of our physical wants and needs, but an understanding and disciplining of them in their place! We are given power to rise through and above, and receive a transformation, of the sin-tendencies of our “flesh,” or our sin natures, and take on God and Christ’s spiritual nature.)
Let us rejoice in these teachings about faith from Matthew 21. We can focus on them as we look to our destination in the holy city:
- all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Mt 21:22 KJV)
- if ye have faith...ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done (21)
- our works will have authority from God (24)
- we choose obedience, to do what God asks, rendering him just service (31, 41)
*May God's Spirit Be With You As You Study – And Experience His Guiding You Into His Will*
