Revelation 21:24
“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”
Revelation is the last book of the Bible, often referred to as the book of Revelation or the Apocalypse. It was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. The book contains a series of visions and prophecies about the end times and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.
Revelation 21:24 is part of John’s description of the New Jerusalem, the holy city that descends from heaven after the final judgment. It depicts the glorious future of God’s people, the redeemed, and the everlasting reign of God.
Meaning of Revelation 21:24:
- The nations of the saved:This phrase refers to people from every nation and tribe who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made salvation available to all people, not just to a specific ethnic or cultural group (John 3:16, Romans 10:12-13).
- Walking in the light:The phrase “walk in the light of it” implies living in the presence of God’s glory and under His guidance. In the New Jerusalem, the saved will enjoy a close relationship with God, free from sin and darkness (Revelation 22:5). They will live in perfect fellowship with God, experiencing His divine illumination and direction.
- The kings of the earth:These are earthly rulers or leaders. In the context of Revelation 21:24, it signifies the honour and submission of the powerful and influential individuals of the world to God. Despite their earthly authority, they bring their glory and honour into the New Jerusalem as an act of reverence and worship to the King of kings, Jesus Christ.
Key Lessons from Revelation 21:24:
- Inclusion of all nations:The verse emphasises the inclusive nature of God’s salvation. It reveals that people from every nation will be partakers in the eternal kingdom of God. This demonstrates God’s love for all people, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background.
- The surrender of earthly powers:The kings of the earth bringing their glory and honour into the New Jerusalem signifies the ultimate submission of earthly authorities to God’s sovereign rule. It reminds us that no earthly power or authority can compare to the glory and majesty of God’s kingdom.
- Living in God’s light:Walking in the light of God’s presence signifies a life transformed by the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. It reminds believers to live in alignment with God’s Word and to seek His guidance and illumination in all aspects of life.
- The eternal dwelling of the redeemed:Revelation 21:24 points to the future hope of believers. It assures us that the redeemed will have a place in the New Jerusalem, where they will dwell in the presence of God, enjoying unending fellowship and glory.
Revelation 21:24 encourages believers to:
- Embrace the inclusivity of God’s salvation and share the message of the Gospel with people from all nations.
- Surrender earthly ambitions and submit to God’s authority, recognising that His kingdom surpasses all worldly powers.
- Walk in the light of God’s presence, seeking His guidance and living according to His Word.
- Fix their hope on the eternal dwelling that awaits them, knowing that the sufferings of this present world are temporary compared to the glory to come (Romans 8:18).
In summary, Revelation 21:24 offers a glimpse into the future where people from all nations will walk in the light of God’s presence in the New Jerusalem. It signifies the inclusive nature of God’s salvation, the surrender of earthly powers to God, and the eternal dwelling of the redeemed. It serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers today.
