Twelve

"The names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed on the gates," Revelation 21:12.

Yes, twelve gates through the high wall of the heavenly city. Named for Israel's twelve tribes. And the foundation of that city's wall? Twelve foundations: named for the Lamb's twelve apostles. So. Twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles of the Lamb. The holy city, Jerusalem of the sky (not of earth!). The Bride of the Lamb. The city made without human hand coming down from heaven. Whose maker and builder is God. God has rejected no people. By faith in the Lamb, the peoples bring their glory into it. The city's temple is God. God's glory is the light. The Lamb is the lamp. New covenant in the blood of the Lamb, witnessed to all peoples by his apostles.

We visit with a brother or sister today honoring God in his temple. And together we give praises to God and to the Lamb alone worthy to read our names into his book of life.