Nomads for eternity

When we imagine and present the concept of eternity to new believers we often envision a city, a big, beautiful and perfect city! An urban paradise, with streets of gold. The trouble is, reguardless of its riches, the idea of spending eternity crowded together in a huge city sounds to a nomad more like hell than paradise. So, lets have a closer look at how the Bible describes our dwelling in eternity.

Yes, there will be a new Jerusalem. And the presence of God will be the source of life radiating from its centre. This however does not imply urban life as the ideal. The Hebrew concept of a city always included the surrounding rural area, and the vision of the new Jerusalem includes this too. The city represents security and a spiritual focus from which the presence of God radiates farther out than the walls, bringing renewal to the land as well.

In the new Jerusalem the city gates are always open. There is no need to close the gates at night because there is no night and the city never needs to defend itself. Open gates make traveling in and out at will easy. Coming and going is part of the vision of the new Jerusalem. Migration will no longer motivated by economic necessity but instead by a desire to enjoy the presence and glory of God.

Ezekiel’s vision of eternity includes a river flowing out of the city. It refreshed and revived the entire land, growing deeper and wider as it stretches out from the city, all the way down to the dead sea where the river revives the salty water making it fresh. Fish and fruit trees flourished because of this river. All of this land is included in the renewal of the new Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 47)

Likewise Zechariah’s vision of the new Jerusalem includes not only the restoration of the city of Jerusalem but the splitting in two of the Mount of Olives establishing a large open plain outside the city where the people flee and hide until the city is safe.

Jesus also described eternity for his followers. In John 14:2 Jesus says “In my father’s house there are many dwellings” and “I am going to prepare a place for you” We picture a luxury hotel or a resort where we each get our own little villa. Again, not really a description of paradise for a nomad. By looking into the Greek words it can be established that none of these three words are exclusive to urban dwellings. What they do mean is permanance and rest.

house - oikos, which is not a building but a group of people. Household.

dwelling - monay, an assurance of permanence in nature but not necessarily location, also used to describe the Holy Spirit living in a disciple.

place - tolov, a portion, or marked off space.

None of these words prevent a nomadic interpretation, in fact they hint towards it. A nomadic believer might describe this promise of Jesus like this: In my father's clan there are many tents, and a route has been set aside for you.

Revelation chapter 7 tells us that in eternity there will be people from every tribe and nation worshipping before the throne. Further down in this same passage is a beautiful description of eternity that seems to have been written to describe paradise to a nomad.

And he who sits on the throne

will give them shelter.

They will never again be hungry or thirsty;

they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.

For the Lamb on the throne

will be their Shepherd.

He will lead them to springs of life giving water.

And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.

-Rev. 7:15-17

I am convince that there will be nomads in heaven. God has prepared a paradise for them as well and they will also enjoy his blessing and security without giving up their identity or freedom.

Yes, there will be a new Jerusalem. And the presence of God will be the source of life radiating from its centre. This however does not imply urban life as the ideal.

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