New Jerusalem
Matt Gilman
A Heavenly Vision: Longing for the New Jerusalem
Matt Gilman's song "New Jerusalem" is a deeply spiritual and evocative piece that draws heavily from Christian eschatology and the imagery found in the Book of Revelation. The song expresses a profound yearning for a divine city, a place not constructed by human hands but descending from heaven, symbolizing the ultimate union between God and humanity. This city, referred to as the New Jerusalem, represents a place of eternal peace, joy, and righteousness, where God will dwell among His people, and all suffering will cease.
The lyrics are rich with metaphors and biblical references. The garden where God once walked with man alludes to the Garden of Eden, symbolizing a return to a state of perfect communion with God. The imagery of the bride and the lamb is a direct reference to the relationship between Christ (the Lamb) and the Church (the Bride), emphasizing the anticipated union and the fulfillment of divine promises. The repeated mention of tears being wiped away and the absence of sorrow, pain, and night underscores the transformative and redemptive nature of this new reality.
Gilman's longing for the New Jerusalem is not just a personal desire but a collective hope shared by believers. The song captures the essence of Christian hope and eschatological expectation, where the faithful eagerly await the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The refrain, "I love the day of your appearing, I want to hasten your return," reflects a deep-seated anticipation and a call for divine intervention. The song serves as both a prayer and a proclamation, inviting listeners to share in this vision of a future where God's presence is fully realized and His people are forever united with Him.