Day 364: Revelation 21:9–21

The city wall had 12 foundations, and on them were the 12 names of the Lamb’s 12 apostles (v. 14).

Throughout our various looks at Revelation over these many days and weeks, we have preoccupied ourselves with what John saw, beginning with the moment a loud voice sounded behind him like a trumpet, saying, “Write on a scroll what you see.” Let’s now take one last glimpse at a detail in the new Jerusalem that might have had a fairly profound impact on John—the sight of the heavenly city’s foundations, upon which were written the names of the twelve apostles.

Beloved, do you realize that among them John saw his own name? In the days he remained on this earth, can you imagine what kinds of thoughts he had as he recaptured that sight in his memory? I have no idea what being one of Jesus’ apostles was like, but I don’t think they felt superhuman or vaguely worthy of their calling. I’m not even sure those original disciples ever grasped that what they were doing would make a world-changing impact. I can’t picture them thinking, “What I’m doing this moment will go down in history and be recorded in the eternal annals of glory.” I think they probably got down on themselves just like you and I do. I also think they were terribly overwhelmed at the prospect of reaching their world with the gospel of Christ and seeing only handfuls of converts most of the time.

Days and months later, when John stared at that wall and its foundations again in his memory, can’t you imagine he was nearly overcome that God esteemed them? Don’t you think he marveled that the plan had worked . . . considering the mortal agents Christ had chosen to use?

Every day I deal with a measure of low self-esteem in ministry. I never feel up to the task. Never smart enough. Never strong enough. Never prayed up enough. Never prepared enough. Do you feel the same way? Then perhaps you also feel the same flood of emotions when this truth washes over you: God loves us. He prepares an inconceivable place for those who receive His love. He highly esteems those who choose to believe His call over the paralyzing screams of their own insecurities. No, our names won’t be written on the foundations of the new Jerusalem, but they are engraved in the palms of His hands.