Feb 7 — Revelation 22:1-11

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22:1-11

OBSERVATION:
The river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1) A reference to Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 47:1-12), symbolically portraying God’s life flowing from the center of the new world. It begins with Jesus, and through Jesus with the Spirit in us (John 7:38-39). Just as water represents life for us (space scientists today are desperately looking for evidence of water on other planets, since that is where they see life as beginning), so also water symbolizes the life of God flowing in and out of us.
No longer will there be any curse… they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:3,5) The rebellion of sin introduced the curse into God’s world, and Adam and Eve lost their position of authority. With God at the center of the new world, humanity will once again rule without the misery of the curse.
Behold, I am coming soon (Revelation 22:7) I suppose “soon” is relative. There are different ways this could be read: (1) As an encouragement not to give up; (2) In the specific ways that God’s judgement was meted out to the rulers and authorities of John’s day; (3) How the believers were delivered from this life to rule with Jesus in the heavenly realm. In a sense, the moment of judgment is always “soon” or “at hand”, and we should live like it, since we never know the time or date.
Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong… (Revelation 22:11) Not permission to keep on sinning, but the final appeal for people to choose, one way or another. Choose today for God’s way or the way of sin, and be prepared for the consequences. Most people sin without thinking, without consciously choosing. But this prophecy is an open book, showing people the outcome of sin or obedience.

APPLICATION:
Do I live as if the Lord could return today? Do I even want Him to? In many ways we are so at home in this world, that we do not long for God’s world. We live like the world, and this prophecy is challenging us to think very carefully about how we choose to live. For our choice will determine our destiny. Regardless of how we view “predestination”, we are responsible for our destiny, not God. God cannot be blamed for anyone entering eternal death. If I have read these words, I am forced to decide whether I will “keep the words of this prophecy”. Am I living like Jesus, for Jesus, for God and for His will? If not, am I prepared for the consequences? At a moment when I least expect it, “soon and very soon”, He will come.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to take this seriously. I have a calling, I have a purpose. I am Your servant, a missionary and ambassador for You. No more excuses, now is the time to get going. I need a spiritual kick in the pants. Thank You for these words of challenge. Amen.