Episode #260. Today we’ll read Revelation chapter 22 together: John was shown the source of all life and Jesus reminds us that He is coming again soon.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #260. Today we’ll read Revelation chapter 22 together: John was shown the source of all life and Jesus reminds us that He is coming again soon.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
And here we are. A day early, yes, but arrived, nonetheless. You did it! Today marks the end of the New Testament, the final chapter in the whole Bible, and accomplishment of a 9 1/2-month goal.
Now, I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I don’t want us to be big-headed either. Remember Luke 17:7-10? Through that parable, Jesus reminds that we’re expected to follow His commands and by doing so, we are only doing our duty. Do not think, however, that there are no rewards for systematically reading your Bible every day. You know God better now. You know more clearly the example that Jesus set for us. You have a better understanding of the Gospel; more able than ever before to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have, as Peter instructed. And finally, you are better prepared to read the Old Testament now and to see how so many of those stories point toward the coming of Christ.
You must be so excited. You must have satisfactions that I haven’t even mentioned here. And I would love to hear each one of them. You can share them all at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Thank you so much for your endless support of the podcast this past year. I appreciate you more than you know. I so hope you are planning to join me in 2021 when we read the entire Bible together. I know it sounds daunting, but together we will spur each other on to this good work. The trailer for the new year is posted and I would be eternally grateful if you would share it with everyone in your contact list. Can’t wait to see you right here on January 1st!
Revelation Chapter 22
The Source of Life
Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more; people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light, and they will reign forever and ever.
The Time Is Near
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you, your brothers the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy still be filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; let the holy still be holy.”
“Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Amen
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 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 attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.
Closing Thoughts
When I read this chapter, I feel myself relax. It’ll be better than lying on a warm beach in Maui, sleeping in on a Saturday morning, or even retiring. We will be face to face with our Lord and Savior. We will be warmed by the pure light of His love. We will never want to stop praising Him for His sacrifice of love. I really can’t even imagine. Funny, after reading Revelation chapter 22, that song by MercyMe takes on a whole new meaning. It’s real.
Again, we see John so overwhelmed by what he is witnessing, he falls down and worships the angel. He couldn’t not worship! But the angel was quick to correct him. We are not to worship anyone or anything except God alone. Difficult to manage in our flesh, I know. But as this chapter so clearly demonstrates, the time will come that our flesh will no longer be an obstacle. Remember always what Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Jesus, wanting to be totally transparent, instructs John to make the prophecy known to everyone because He is coming again soon. Now, granted. Our definition of soon varies quite a bit from God’s and we’re told more than once that He will come like a thief in the night. So, we need to be ready.
Finally, we read John’s signature cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die promise that he’s telling the truth. He must have been such a man of quiet integrity. No doubt God gifted him with this trustworthiness in preparation for being the witness he is to us. I really do believe him. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, You compel me when You say “Come!” I am drawn with an irresistible longing to be in the presence of that Throne. Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice and Your promises so that we have this hope. Father, that You would love us so much that You would plan for our redemption, is mind boggling still. We will spend forever praising You. Thank You for Your Word, this roadmap we can follow each day in preparation for that incredible Day of the Lord. In Jesus’ precious, holy, and awe-inspiring Name, Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
Visit
Bible Study Resources
- CSB Study Bible – Hardcover or Kindle!
- The Bible Project’s Bible Basics – Free!
- Every Bible You Could Ever Want!
- The Bible Hub – Free!
- Bible Study Tools – Free!
- The Bible Project– Free!
Other Resources
- Want to use your tablet for Bible reading? Consider Kindle .
- I love Audible! Try it for free!
- Want it? FaithGear has it!
- Wear your faith! Christian Strong
- Bet Hannon Business Websites designed and maintains my website.
- Title of song used in the podcast is 3 Joys & the Truth, by Daniel O’Connor
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