Chapter 22
-The completion of the prophecy and the entire cannon of
Scripture comes in this chapter as the angel that Jesus sent shows John the
water of eternal life, bright as crystal, which flows from the throne of God
and of the Lamb. This river goes through the middle of the street of the city,
the new Jerusalem, in all it brilliance. On either side of the river was the
tree of life for the healing of the nations that bore its fruit of twelve kinds
each month (no off season). This harkens all the way back to the perfection of
the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:8-10 as God redeems His people who have turned
to Him for forgiveness and restoration. There will no longer be a curse in this
heavenly paradise, and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His
servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His Name will be permanently
on their foreheads. Night will be no more, and there will be no need for the
sun because the Lord God will be their light, and these faithful saints will
reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1-5).
-The angel spoke to John about the imminence of these coming
events, and that this prophecy was trustworthy and true. The admonition to keep
the words of this prophecy was again emphasized for blessing. John once again
attempted to worship an angel, but he was told to only worship God. These words
of the prophecy were to be revealed and not sealed up as the angel set forth
words for continuance in the way things were progressing. To clarify, the
evildoer must continue to do evil, the filthy shall stay filthy, the righteous
should still do right, and the holy must remain holy. Jesus is coming soon and
His reward is with Him for the righteous or recompense for the wicked. He will
repay according to what each person has done. The Lord is the first and the
last, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. Those who turn to Him
wash their robes in His blood and righteousness. These have the right to the
tree of life, and these can enter the holy eternal city that lasts forever in
paradise. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the
murders, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. These
are in the lake of fire that burns forever and ever with torment, suffering,
anguish, and pain (Revelation 21:15; 22:6-15).
-Jesus sent His angel to warn us and testify about these
things for the churches (the called out ones). He is both the root and
descendent of David, the eternal King, that fulfills every prophetic Word of the
Lord in faithfulness and truth. Christ is the Bright Morning Star, and His
Spirit and His people say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears be able to say, “Come.”
May the thirsty and weary be able to say, “Come.” A drink from the water of
life that is without price is open for all to come and partake. There is a
final warning not to add or take anything away from the words of this prophecy,
because a compounding of God’s judgment will be on those who do. Jesus is
coming quickly; may His grace be with us all, Amen (Revelation 22:16-21)!
-*Application* Keep persevering and lift your head up
towards Heaven if you are a child of God. He will not delay your vindication
much longer. He will either take you home to be with Him and His angels at the
point of physical death, or He may return to take you home. Both are great
options. To be absent from the body (the flesh) is to be present with the Lord
(2 Corinthians 5:8). We will reign with Him forever if we are the faithful, the
called, and the chosen. The great thing is that He loves every single one of us
and wants all to come and be a part of His Kingdom worshipping Him for all
eternity. Make the decision to follow Christ and live forever! Be alert and be
ready, the end is near!
Verse to Memorize:
Revelation 22:12
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