Download “In the World” for August 14, 2022 here.
YOUR NEW CITY
Since 1989 with Sim City, fans of computer games have been able to play civic engineer and build their own dream cities. City-building games form a genre that remains popular today. Late last month, a game called Urbek City Builder became the newest entry into the category. In the game, you pick your location and biome (seaside, desert, forest, etc.) and start building your infrastructure, power grid, transportation system, housing districts, and more. You’re limited only by terrain, money, resources, and your own imagination. Urbek brings a focus on how your city will develop on its own, so long as you provide the conditions necessary. For example, if you place several homes around a park, eventually it will become condominiums. If you’ve ever wanted to build a city the “right” way, these games will let you do so.
GOD’S NEW CITY
In today’s passage, we see the new Jerusalem descending from heaven in the glittering glory of God. The city has been designed and constructed by God, and it is both functional and gorgeous. In fact, the emphasis in John’s account of the city is all on how beautiful it is and how richly adorned it is with precious jewels of all kinds. It is from this passage that we learn that heaven has pearly gates. When we finally see the city whose architect and builder is God, we will be astonished.
- What’s your favorite game (computer game or otherwise) of all time?
- If you were to build your dream city, what would it be like, and what would it have in it?
- When you walk the streets of the heavenly Jerusalem, what will you want to do first?
Additional Resources
These videos and materials are for your personal use. If you show videos in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.
- Music Video, Traditional: “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above” by Leah Nash
- Music Video, Multicultural: “No Bondage” by Bri Babineaux
- Music Video, Contemporary: “No Bondage” by Bri Babineaux
- Guzik’s Commentary on Revelation 21
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Revelation 21
- Ellicott’s Commentary on Revelation 21