We are used to thinking that light only comes from the sun or moon, fire or a light bulb, LEDs, phosphorescent sea creatures, glow worms or a lightning bolt. But where did all that energy come from? Genesis 1:3-4 says that God is the source of light. That was before He created the sun and moon (Genesis 1:14-19). God does not need to use an external light source because He is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Some may say that is moral light or spiritual enlightenment, and that is part of the truth. But God is the source of all energy, including the electromagnetic spectrum of which light is a part. That was demonstrated by the radiance of Moses' face after being with God (Exodus 34:30), the transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), and the vivid brilliance of angels (Luke 2:9; Matthew 28:3; Acts 10:30).

The New Jerusalem, the Holy City, the eternal dwelling place of God with His people - is illuminated by Himself. In the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, God instructed that lampstands be made to hold oil lights high above the floor and tended continuously (Leviticus 24:4). But eternity will not be like that. The Father and the Son together will illuminate the city; their all-embracing presence will exclude any darkness, and even shadows (James 1:17). Whatever the geometry of the new heavens and new earth will be, nobody, anywhere, will need a lamp because the glory of God will shine everywhere (Habakkuk 2:14).

There will be no church building or temple in the Holy City. God's redeemed people are the church, which is the city (Revelation 21:2-3). The whole of His domain is the ultimate place of worship where we will continually praise and serve Him for ever. Nothing that opposes His rule will enter the gates (Revelation 21:27) and so no place is reserved as special to God, because everything will be equally holy. But, right now, we are the temple of the Living God, He dwells in us by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and we are called to shine out in love and truth into a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).

How can we apply these truths to our lives today? The heavenly horizon is so often obscured by the darkness of sin around and within us; and for many it is a daily struggle to follow Jesus. Persecution, loneliness, disheartenment and sadness will all take their toll unless we have the hope of glory to sustain us. The very presence of the indwelling Christ should remind us that we do not belong to this shadowy world, but to His kingdom ... and to encourage others to join us there (Colossians 1:27). But without these descriptions our hope would be speculative rather than certain. These verses are to encourage us that the Lord has called us to trust Him here, and to keep on following Him to where He has always belonged (John 13:3). Whatever your reason for looking down, these verses encourage us to look up to Jesus and press on in the confidence that, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). As the Apostle Paul wrote, "I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Keep pressing on because Jesus is the light at the end of the tunnel.