“Behold,
I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:12-14
Revelation 22 [8.] Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. He said to me, “See you don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”Revelation 22 [12.] “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star.”
Meaning:
Revelation 22 is the concluding chapter of the Bible, offering a glimpse into the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
- The River and Tree of Life:
"He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
The final chapter mirrors the imagery from the beginning of the Bible in Genesis, symbolizing the restoration of what was lost. The river and tree of life represent the eternal provision of life and healing, emphasizing the completeness found in God's presence.
- The Presence of God:
"There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads."
The absence of the curse signifies the restoration of the perfect communion between God and His creation. The direct access to God's presence echoes the deep intimacy believers will experience in the eternal kingdom.
- The Light of the City:
"There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever."
The perpetual light symbolizes the divine illumination that eradicates darkness. This points to the everlasting reign of God's people, guided by His eternal light.
- The Assurance of Christ's Return:
"He said to me, 'These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.'"
The repeated assurance of the truthfulness of the words emphasizes the certainty of Christ's return. The imminent nature of the events encourages believers to live in anticipation and readiness.
- Invitation and Warning:
"Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book... I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book."
Jesus' imminent return is both an invitation and a warning. The blessing is for those who heed the words, while a severe caution is given against distorting or neglecting the prophecy.
- The Spirit's Invitation:
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' He who hears, let him say, 'Come!' He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely."
The repeated invitation echoes the heart of God for all to come and partake in the water of life. The inclusivity of the call emphasizes God's desire for all to experience His grace.
- Significance:
Restoration and Fulfillment: Revelation 22 serves as the culmination of God's redemptive plan, showcasing the restoration of Edenic imagery and the fulfillment of prophecies. It presents a vision of complete harmony, healing, and eternal life in God's presence.
Intimate Communion with God: The vivid descriptions of the river and tree of life, the absence of curses, and the direct access to God's presence underscore the intimate communion believers will enjoy with their Creator in the new Jerusalem.
Imminence of Christ's Return: The repeated emphasis on the imminent return of Christ serves as a call to readiness and anticipation. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of constant readiness, mindful of the blessed hope of Christ's coming.
Inclusivity of God's Invitation: The Spirit's invitation, echoed by the bride, extends to all who are thirsty and desiring. The inclusive nature of the call emphasizes God's universal offer of salvation and the water of life.
Cross-References:
Genesis 3:22: "Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest he put forth his hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever..." Revelation 22 echoes the restoration of access to the tree of life, which was lost in Genesis 3.
John 7:38: "He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water." Jesus' words in John find a parallel in the river of water of life flowing from the throne in Revelation, symbolizing the life-giving presence of God.
In Our Daily Lives:
Living in Anticipation: The imminence of Christ's return calls us to live in a state of anticipation and readiness, shaping our daily choices and priorities.
Sharing God's Invitation: The Spirit and the bride's invitation to "Come" motivates us to share God's inclusive invitation with others, inviting them to partake in the water of life freely.
Hope in God's Restoration: Revelation 22 serves as a source of hope, reminding us of God's promise to restore and fulfill His redemptive plan. It encourages us to endure in faith, knowing that a glorious future awaits.
future - imagination - Jesus - quaff - rapture
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible