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PRELUDE
What if I told you of a mystery so splendid that it spans into the future, like never before? This is a mystery of pure utopia, so humanly unbelievable that it would take its actual happening to be convincing.
There is a mystery city in the clouds, not built by human hands. It is a city among all cities, spoken into place by the Creator's divine voice. This city of the future was created for all God's people, those who have been redeemed according to the principles of God.
No, you wouldn't believe it, right? Nor did I until this most unusual vision made it happen. This city was brought to my mind's eye.
"What do you mean, brought to your mind's eye?" you might ask. "What city so profound?"
It was this vision of visions, whether real, or simply a philosophical reality, it surely grabbed my utmost attention. And it will grab yours as well.
"How could a Creator unknown to the human eye speak such a city in place? Just how could He do that?" I can hear you asking now.
That, my dear reader, is the mystery. Here we begin this blog, "The City In The Clouds."
(Please take time to read the corresponding highlighted reference Scriptures as you travel through this blog.)
“In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
I was lying there watching my bedroom TV in hopes falling asleep from my perplexing "adjustment insomnia." Then it happened. My bedroom was suddenly overtaken. As if generated directly from Heaven came a noise like a violent rushing wind. (Acts 2:2) I couldn't help but instinctively yell out in reaction to this weird situation. No answer was provided.
Within this noise a curious character quickly emerged. He was a rather unusual character, of First Century appearance, dressed in the habitual one-piece belted tunic, flowing down to the knees. Hovering over and resting upon his head, visible within the room, appeared to be a cluster of flames. (Acts 2:3) Unusual, to say the least, I thought. Not saying a word, this unexpected arrival handed me a big gold chain bearing a large golden key.
Then he spoke. "My good man, this key will stunningly and marvelously change your life forever. You will soon encounter three doors. One door will be marked The Past, one will be marked The Present, and the third door will be marked The Future."
"You will be divinely inspired to try this golden key, in hopes of entering these doors," he went on. "This key, however, will only work on one of the doors. Upon entering, your life will instantly change forever."
The wind and cloud of fire lifted. Gone was the extraordinary bedroom panorama. Taking my hand, away we went through the window out into outer space, for a long unknown journey, then swiftly landed.
Here they were, just as specified, three identical entrance doors of a huge structure like an old asylum refuge, appearing out of the sky. One door was marked The Past, one door was marked The Present and the remaining door was marked The Future. I couldn't wait to try out the big golden key, although I had no idea what I'd find.
I placed the key in the first door marked The Past, but nothing happened, Moving on, I tried the second door marked The Present and still the key would not turn. I couldn't help but become a little discouraged. I wanted very much to return to my old childhood days. I wanted just as much to see where I am now in this present, troubled world.
Nonetheless, by process of elimination, I knew the third door would open, and it did. Was I surprised, nothing but pure utopia. It was a miracle of miracles, Heaven on earth. I saw a city appearing to come down from Heaven, made of pure gold, like clear glass. (Revelation 21:18) A four-square city reached into the clouds. (Revelation 21:16-17) Its structure was too unbelievable to describe. I was instantly mind-boggled.
Looking around I was drawn to a large coliseum. There they were, mllions upon millions of people. Too many for a human mind to count, all were dressed in pure white shining robes. (Revelation 7:9,13) Some were laughing, some crying, some were even raising hands and shouting praises. All apparently were receiving some sort of audible rewards which were apparently meeting their approval as they seemed to be very pleased. (Matthew 5:12)
Standing out within this huge crowd of people were what appeared to be a number of distinguished-looking church Elders, who were casting crowns at the feet of a Leader. (Revelation 4:4, 10)
As we moved on throughout this great religious facility, I found no customary temple, which lack I questioned. (Revelation 21:22)
My companion answered, "This city has no need of a physical temple, my friend, as for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple." (Revelation 21:23)
"OK then, what a marvelous place this is!" I exclaimed. "If I could only stay here forever, I'd never want to go back to all the evils of this present world nor return to the good old days of the past." (Matthew 17:4-5)
Not giving me a chance to relax or enjoy this celestial city, my guide hurriedly spoke up. "We must go now, my good man, for this is your future glorious by-and-by, this Heaven of heavens. You are still living in the present, nasty here and now. Your time will come. Until then, you must continue your stand for the right." (I Cor 15:58) (I Cor 16:13)
"You must continue your spiritual growth in the full gospel (I Cor. 15:1-4) by prayer and Bible reading," he continued. "And don't forget to give witness of your Christian experience. Your time will come, if you faint not." (Philippians 1:27)
"Wait just a minute, kind sir, just who are you?" I asked.
Thinking back, I continued, "Were the wind and tongues of fire, back in my bedroom,a subtle hint of your identity? Are you who I think you might be, one of those famous early Christians transported from the Early Church (Acts 2:1-4) incarnated to bring me a message?" (Acts 2:41-47)
My concerns were never answered, as this First Century Christian had disappeared, along with the glorious city in the clouds. (Hebrews 13:2) His mission was completed. I'll never forget this vision.
It seemed that, by divine sedation, I had apparently fallen asleep. Did this vision hit home with me, upon my awakening? It surely did. As a dedicated church Bible teacher, do I have a message to tell, a real life show-and-tell adventure! I can't wait till next Sunday's Bible study. Amen!
EPILOGUE
I trust you enjoyed this bit of fiction, as we looked into the future. We all, at times, have taken a look back to our past, maybe even longing to go back. We have probably also wished we could change our present, nasty here and now.
There will be a time in the future for those of us who hold true to the principles of God, to enjoy all the splendors of this heavenly abode forever. The holy Scriptures give us a vivid account of this future home of ours.
This city is referred as the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), which is also called the Tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the City of God, the Celestial City, the City Foursquare, and Heavenly Jerusalem, is literally Heaven on Earth. It is referred to in the Bible in several places (Galatians 4:26); (Hebrews 11:10; 12:22–24) and (Hebrews 13:14)
After God remakes the heavens and the earth, the Bible speaks of this city coming down out of Heaven. It will be an actual, physical city with spiritual significance.
The city lies foursquare, measuring fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height being equal (Revelation 21:16).
The city has a great, high wall made of jasper (Revelation 21:18) with twelve gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21) and at the gates are twelve angels; bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. (Revelation 21:12)
The wall of this city has twelve foundation stones, adorned with precious jewels (Revelation 21:19), bearing the names of the twelve apostles. (Revelation 21:14)
It also has a crystal clear river of the water of life flowing in the midst of this city. In the middle of its street on either side of the river is the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit. There is no need of the sun or the moon there, for the glory of God illumines this city. (Revelation 22:1-2)
So, does this city make you homesick? It does me! Amen!
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