Revelation - Week 40

READ 

Revelation 22:12-13 

12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 

The Lord Jesus speaks and says He is coming soon. Again, the word “soon” can mean “quickly.” He will “repay all people according to their deeds.” Jesus emphasized He is “the Beginning and the End” by saying He is “the Alpha and the Omega,” the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This would include everything in between the beginning and the end.  

REFLECT 

Think of how great the Lord Jesus Christ is. He is everything you need. You can trust Him completely. 

RESPOND 

For other references to “Alpha and Omega,” see Revelation 1:8 and 21:6 in addition to this one in Revelation 22:13. No doubt should be left about the greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Permitted to Enter 

READ 

Revelation 22:14-15 

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. 15 Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. 

This passage reveals the blessedness of those inside the New Jerusalem and the destiny of those whose lives were characterized by the sins listed. “Sorcerers” is the word from which the word “pharmacy” or “drugs” is derived. “Idol worshipers” are those who worship what is created rather than the Creator. How wonderful it will be for those who are redeemed and how horrible it will be for those who are not. 

REFLECT 

Think how nothing else matches the riches of knowing Jesus as Savior. Pray for those who do not. 

RESPOND 

What can change the life of those enslaved by some of the sins mentioned in this passage? Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 to see that a relationship with Jesus can change such lives. 

Anyone Who Is Thirsty 

READ 

Revelation 22:16-17 

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. 

Jesus is the root and offspring of David. According to the flesh, Jesus came in the line of David and is the “heir to his throne.” The bright morning star appears before sunrise. Jesus will catch up believers to meet Him in the air (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Later He will come to the earth in His second advent (see Revelation 19:11-16). Jesus offers salvation for anyone who will come to Him, but it must be done in this lifetime, not after death. 

REFLECT 

Be thankful for the person or ministry that brought you the message of salvation so you saw the need to trust in Jesus as Savior. Be a witness to tell others about Him. 

RESPOND 

With a Christian friend, talk about how each of you first heard the gospel and trusted in Jesus. Then talk about how you can take this gospel to others.  

Day 4 

READ 

Revelation 22:18-19 

18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. 

Some think this serious warning applies only to the book of Revelation. This book, however, quotes so much from the Old Testament and even the New Testament that one cannot change Revelation without changing the Bible. The 66 books in the Bible are the inspired canon of Scriptures. The Bible is the only book God has inspired, or breathed out to the human authors. No one is to add to or subtract from what the Bible teaches without suffering severe consequences.  

REFLECT 

Thank God that you have His revelation to make a lifetime of study. No one will ever know more about God than what is learned from the Scriptures. 

RESPOND 

Read Jude 1:3-4 to see that Jude considered God’s revelation had been completed once for all and the urgency to share it with others. 

The Grace of the Lord Jesus 

READ 

Revelation 22:20-21 

20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!  

21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. 

This is a great closing to the book of Revelation.  It is the promise of the coming of the Lord Jesus, and the affirmation of the apostle John for His coming. John had been persecuted for his faith. Others of the disciples had been martyred. Those who have been through such hardships would look forward to the Lord’s return. The word “grace” is used frequently in the New Testament and is now used in closing the last book—“May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.” 

REFLECT 

How is it with you? Have you had a hard life that causes you to look forward to the return of Jesus? If not, realize such times may come and the need to honor Him in your daily life now. 

RESPOND 

Meet with a fellow Christ-follower about what stands out to you as you think back over this study. Has it been impressed on you that in the end, Christ wins? There may be heartaches and grief in life, but final victory is assured. Knowing how the story ends can bring hope and assurance to believers. May the grace of God be with you.