25th May 2025

As he draws his letter to the seven churches to a close, John paints a picture of the eternal glory and divine presence that awaits in the New Jerusalem. For Christians under persecution in the first century, and every century since, it provides a source of hope and assurance, reminding us of the ultimate victory of light over darkness and the eternal reign with God.

The imagery of ‘no more night’ signifies the end of all forms of darkness, whether it be spiritual, moral, or physical. Night often symbolises fear, uncertainty, and evil. In contrast, the absence of night in God’s kingdom represents a state of perpetual peace, assurance, and goodness. No longer will the world experience the trials and tribulations associated with darkness, instead, there will be the unending light of God’s presence.

Interestingly, the source of light in the New Jerusalem is not provided by physical things like lamps or the sun but by God himself. Jesus said of himself: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12). This is what we are seeing here, fulfilled for all eternity. This divine light will not only provide physical illumination but also spiritual enlightenment, revealing the fullness of God’s truth and love. The absence of a need for artificial light indicates a complete and perfect environment where God’s presence is all-encompassing.

John also tells us that we ‘will reign for ever and ever’ (Revelation 22:5). This promise of reigning is a fulfilment of God’s original design for humanity: to rule and steward his creation, in his presence in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:26, 28; 3:8). In the new heaven and new earth, we will participate in God’s sovereign rule, exercising authority in perfect harmony with his will. This eternal reign is not about power but about participating in God’s eternal purpose and reflecting his glory.

This hope is given to encourage us to persevere in our walk of faith now, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to dwell in the presence of God, bathed in his eternal light. While we await the fulfilment of this promise, we are called to live in the light of God’s presence now. This means walking in truth, exhibiting righteousness, and reflecting God’s love to others. As such we are to be children of the light (Ephesians 5:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6), and to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We are to shine brightly in a world that often seems engulfed in darkness. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of God’s light, drawing others towards the hope we have in Christ.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church