SEPTEMBER 19 = REVELATION 22
THE FINAL WORD
Here we are! The end of the end of the Book! Congratulations on making this journey through the New Testament. I have enjoyed doing this journey with you, and I look forward to whatever the next chapter in our lives will bring us. But today, let’s talk about that last chapter of Revelation, the end of the end of the book.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
We open with one of the powerful fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy: Ezekiel’s river that comes from the temple. In this case, it flows from the throne down the middle of a street of gold. If that imagery isn’t strange enough, there is a tree—yes, a single tree—growing on each side of the river. And to top it off, the tree yields twelve crops of fruit, one each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Every detail is meant to bring comfort and hope and encouragement to the reader. Let that future promise soak in, as you consider what each detail means for you. Has it brought you a vision for the healing of the nations yet?
A few verses later, John writes:
“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
No more night? I thought he said the angels worshiped day and night. Again, consistency of the image is not the point. The point is there is no more sin. No more distance between God and his people. We walk in the light, as he is in the light. Always.
“The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.””
If the words are trustworthy and true that the things must soon take place, then something about these prophecies must be true. Perhaps not literal, but true.
And to underline it, Jesus himself repeats it:
““Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.””
How do we keep the words of the prophecy? I suppose we do so by making ourselves ready, by repenting, by boldly declaring the truth and by being faithful unto death. Because, you know, he is coming soon! Life is uncertain, and things can change without warning. For that matter, history can turn in a moment. So be ready.
“Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
I suppose this is one way to keep the words of the prophecy: To not seal up the words. As John had said at the opening, blessed are those who read it, and blessed are those who hear. So don’t seal them up. Don’t ignore Revelation, just because it is hard to interpret. Don’t keep silent when you are being persecuted. Keep sharing, because the time is near.
““Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Another way to prepare for the soon coming of Jesus is to do the right things, to continue believing even when persecution arises, and even when it is difficult. This is how we keep the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.
““Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
Following some of the themes throughout the book, Jesus declares that we are blessed if we have washed our robes, which are the righteous acts of the saints. Then we can eat of the tree of life and use its leaves for the healing of the nations, and we can be among those kings and nations who come into the gates of the city to do business there.
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
If we get the privilege of entering the gates of the city, which is to say that we are the bride of the Lamb. But not everyone gets to enter, whatever realm this city is in. Those who are outside are the sinful unbelievers. Again, let’s not get distracted by the “new earth” and where did these sinners come from. Just go with the metaphor that only the redeemed saints are allowed to enter.
A few verses earlier, he had said,
“Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.””
So, what do we do while we await the coming of the Lord? We let the sinner continue to sin, and we mind our own business and continue to be holy.
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
The Holy Spirit is calling for the soon coming of Jesus. The saints on earth, who are the future bride of Christ are calling for the soon coming of Jesus. For those who can hear the conviction, let us join in and long for the coming of Christ. For those of us who feel our spiritual need, let us respond by readying ourselves for that coming.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”
This is another sobering call for us all. What this book says, we must not ignore any of it. And we must not invent our own additions to go beyond what is written. The principle can be easily applied to the rest of Scripture, as well, of course. Be careful in handling the word of God, whether you are a teacher or a learner.
Once more, Jesus says that he is coming soon. And John replies, “Even so (Amen!), come Lord Jesus.”
So Lord, we long for your appearing. We seek to hasten your return. We pledge to be faithful unto death, and to hold on to Jesus in spite of everything. And I’ll let John close his own book:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”
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