The author of Hebrews said this: “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). A little earlier, he said this about Abraham: “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:9-10). As for all the patriarchs he said this: “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16)
We know a lot about this city which God has prepared and is preparing for those that belong to Him. It has both physical and spiritual components. The spiritual is summarized by Paul in Ephesians: “….built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone….in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. “ (Ephesians 2:20,22). The physical characteristics of this new Jerusalem is described in detail in Revelation 21:9 thru 22:5. Take the time to read about this amazing new capitol of the world where Jesus Himself will come to rule and reign.
You may not have given this a lot of thought, but this is your city. It’s just as the writer of Hebrews said, “here we have no continuing city.” If you currently live in an affluent country such as the US, you may be quite comfortable with your nice home in or near a thriving city. However, your situation is not long-term reality. Like Abraham, if you’re a Christian, you’re God’s ambassador merely passing through this land, dwelling in it temporarily. After Jesus returns and you possess immortality, you’re going to be ruling and reigning with Christ in His kingdom based out of Jerusalem, your new home city. We need to be thinking eternally and, like the Patriarchs before us, seeking the city to come, the one built by God Himself, prepared for us.
While it’s hard to comprehend the majesty and absolute splendor of this place, know this: “….you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of men made perfect, to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant….” (Hebrews 12:22,23). This city will not only be the seat of world government but will be the home of God the Father Himself. “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” (Revelation 22:3). We’re destined to be living in a city alongside the creators of this entire universe. That’s the city I’m seeking! I hope you are too.
Maranatha, Jim