As we observe the church in today’s world, we conclude that the church is but a small and insignificant player on the world stage. The present passage would have us know that the church’s footprint in this world is as big as the world. It cannot be otherwise because the Master of the city is none other than Jesus Christ himself—King of kings (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:12). Similarly, we see the church beset by so much weakness as to justify her being shunned or reviled. But the fact that the Bride reflects the perfection of the Lord means we may never write the church off. In this life she remains a work in progress, with its conclusion glorious due to the identity of her Lord.
16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.