Revelation 22. I ought to have a sense of relief. It is finally over! But I don’t. I began this venture on April 18th and every “Shadow” post since then has been on my reading through Revelation. I have been writing about 4 devotions a week on Revelation. Never, in all my college days or in the almost 50 years of being a pastor, have I ever spent this much time in Revelation. While I’m still not too sure about the interpretation of it with all its twists and turns, I have enjoyed- and actually learned 🙂 – from my daily foray. Today, I come to the end…Revelation 22.
My original intent was to tell you, “Just read it,” but I can’t. There is more here than I thought. So here is my attempt to draw your attention to some of the meaningful lessons in this chapter.
1. Eternity (new heaven and new earth) will be s-o-o-o-o different. Our forever home will be unlike anything we have experienced or can imagine. I’m going to capsulize verses 3-5 by saying Jesus will be all we need. Being in His presence will be beyond the pale.
2. John’s reaction was to fall on his face at the feet of the angel who has been his guide, the messenger who showed him all things. John was immediately told to get up and worship only God. No man-cult leader, religious teacher, huckster, or dare I say Pope- is to be bowed down to and revered. Only ONE deserves that. (Verses 8-9)
3. Jesus, as the Alpha and Omega, the first the Last will return to reward His followers. He will also judge those who are not. (Verses 12-13)
4. Special privileges (entering the city by the gates) will be granted to those whose robes have been washed white. Only the holy can enter the city. (Verse 14)
5. Another name Jesus gives Himself: “I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Verse 16)
6. And finally, the words which should be on the lips of every Christ-follower: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Maranatha. (Verse 20)
“Father, I am ready to see Your face in all its glory, up close and personal. I echo John’s words: ‘Amen. Come Lord Jesus.’ ”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Thank you Bill for this study! I appreciate it!
You’re welcome Diane. I do hope it was helpful and inspiring.
Yes! Come, Lord Jesus!
Blessings, Bill!
AMEN!
Bill, Thanks for taking us on this journey through Revelation. As you stated throughout, interpretations are up for debate, however, one thing is for sure… Seeking to understand God more through His word will always return something. To restate your words and the words of John… “Amen. Come Lord Jesus”. There will come a day when we will all bow in the awe and wonder of God’s presence. I am looking forward to that day… a new beginning that will last for eternity!
You are welcome Ryan. I’m glad I did it from a totally selfish standpoint. But I’m really glad I had others go with me, you being one of them. I do agree with you that something always comes back. God’s Word never returns void. I, too, am looking forward to that day when eternity begins.
the words which should be on the lips of every Christ-follower: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Maranatha.
Lord, please, come quickly.
They are increasingly more on my lips Linda. Thanks for the comment.
1 Corinthians 2:9 Father, I cannot wait to be amazed by what You have prepared for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior. I am left in awe and speechless. Jesus will be all we need, Amen Come Lord Jesus.
I can’t wait to be left in awe and speechless Gail. thanks for the good words.
I echo the words of the others above me Bill! Thanks for this study! I’ve always thought of Revelations as a horror story with all the images, sadly for many it will be.. 🙁 But through the years of reading I’ve come to understand it’s so much more!
As you said in the beginning.. it can be summed up by two words: Jesus wins!
Thanks Ed. I’m glad it was beneficial to you and helped take out some of the “fear” associated with it. And yes, Jesus wins.