A firm foundation
Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Revelation 21:14
I’m pretty sure I have written before about how important a foundation is to a structure. Before you can build any structure, you must have a foundation. It is what holds the building in place and keeps it secure. If the foundation is weak and unstable, a house will not be safe. Any structure is only as sturdy as the strength of its foundation. In the culture we live in today, you are not even allowed to build on a foundation until it has been inspected and approved to the code that has been established by residential and commercial building requirements. This gives us a pretty good idea how important a foundation is.
In today’s reading, one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls came to talk with the apostle John. He showed John where the Lamb’s wife lived in the holy Jerusalem. John described the beauty and splendor of the city by talking about the precious stones, high walls and gates and the foundations. What really stood out to me about his description was that on the twelve foundations of the city are the names of the twelve apostles of Jesus. As I was reading the passage, it occurred to me that those are the same people that built the New Testament church after Jesus ascended back to heaven. Even though the church was not established at the beginning of time here in the world we live in today, it was the beginning of the opening of heaven to all people and the foundation of our faith in the Lord Jesus.
The foundations of the New Jerusalem inscribed with the names of the apostles shows me the unchangeable truth of the gospel that the apostles spread, establishing the very bedrock of our faith. Just as a physical foundation supports a structure, the apostles’ teachings and sacrifices support the spiritual structure of the church. Their lives and ministries were pivotal in spreading the good news of salvation in Jesus, and their names on the foundations of the Holy City honor their unwavering dedication and faithfulness to their calling and mission in life.
This imagery encourages me to reflect on the importance of having a solid spiritual foundation in my own lives. My beliefs, values, and actions are grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. This spiritual foundation keeps me secure and steadfast, even when life’s trials and challenges come against me. Just as a building needs a strong foundation to stand tall, me faith has a strong foundation to withstand the storms of life.
Lastly, this passage reminds me that my faith is built upon the legacy of those who came before me. The apostles laid the groundwork for the church, and their legacy continues to influence and inspire the body of believers still today. As we build our own lives of faith, we are contributing to this ongoing mission, adding to the structure that has been growing since the time that the Holy Spirit came on the believers on the day of Pentecost.
In a world where many things are uncertain and unstable, having a strong foundation in Christ Jesus is crucial. It provides the stability and security we need to navigate life’s challenges and reminds us that our faith is not in vain; it is built upon the truth and teachings of the Lord Jesus and His apostles, who were chosen and commissioned by Him.
Today I want to encourage you to let this passage help you to evaluate the foundation of your own faith. Are you building your life on the solid rock of Jesus’ blood and sacrifice? Are you rooted in the truth that the apostles so faithfully spread? Take time to strengthen your foundation through prayer, quiet time with Him and His Word, and connecting with other believers. By doing these things, you are ensuring that your faith remains strong and unshakable, no matter what comes your way. Remember, just as the New Jerusalem’s foundations are adorned with the names of the apostles, your life can reflect the beauty and strength of a faith that is firmly grounded in the truth of God’s Word. Build your life on this foundation, and you will stand secure and steadfast, and also fulfill the purpose you have been given breath at this place in time.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-21
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The Daily Dose 