2012-12
You are approaching the gates of the city. The gates are high and mighty, wrought of iron and gold. They are panelled with great planks of ebony and cedar. As you approach you see that they are not closed but stand open, welcoming in the people of God.
The gates lead out onto a great highway, broad and smooth. It is paved with refined gold. Along the sides of this main road are many buildings. They are high and strong with walls of pearl and white stone. You look and see that these buildings are roofed with gold.
Along this path you notice that there are many other people. They are robed in white and their faces shine like stars. However the are not even noticing the glory of the road or the buildings. Rather they are hurrying along the road toward the centre of the city.
As you move further up you notice that there is now a river flowing along the centre of the road. The river is deep and clear. Its water is cool and runs with the sound of peace. But still the people do not hesitate; they do not pause to enjoy the wonder of the river. They seem more eager than ever to press on, to find the centre of the city.
You decide to move in, to move further into the city. You come upon a tree the like of which is not seen on the earth. It is high and broad. Its massive branches are richly adorned in deep green leaves and support a multitude of large succulent fruit. The shade of the tree is rich and cool. The fragrance of the fruit is sweet and invigorating. They smell and look as though they would bring life to any who eat them.
As you look around in wonder you notice that the people hurry past, determined to push on to the core of this marvellous city. You notice that they are now shining more like suns than stars, and that each has a radiance different from all the others. It seems to you that they are like many different mirrors drawing near to some great source of light.
You join the press and move up to the centre of the city. In the centre there are seven great golden stairs. At the top of the stairs there is a throne. The throne has three great golden seats. They are cushioned with crimson and their heads are adorned with rubies red, emerald greed, rich topaz, clear diamonds and many other precious stones in many other colours.
But on the thrones are seated a glory which surpasses description. The road the river, the tree and the thrones are pushed from memory for this glory is so surpassingly great. You now see why the people where pressing on. The God of Glory is seated on the thrones in heaven. All light radiates from Him, all gaze is drawn to Him and all the people fall to their knees and praise Him.
Then, the most amazing this happens. This Great king stands, raising himself from His throne. He descends the stairs and joins His people. He teaches the singers to sing in the fullness of song. He inspires the dancers to dance with a spontaneous joy. To the teachers he shows fullness and to the builders creativity. He brings new notes to the instruments of musicians and raises up the humble.
For the LORD lets His glory shine through His people and takes delight in them. And so heaven is filled with His dancing with the dancers and His song of love sung with the singers.
Join in the glorious flood; seek the LORD your lover; He who delights in His people.