Water of Life

May 29, 2011


Background Scripture: Revelation 22
Lesson Passage: Revelation 22:1 – 9, 13 – 17

This final chapter opens with John viewing the river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne. For all who have thirsted after righteousness, the source of eternal refreshing is revealed. The book of Revelation—and indeed the bible close with the assurance that Jesus is coming back to the earth for the church. The church is spoken of prominently in the latter chapters as it was in the first chapters. Only in the middle chapters during the time of plagues or tribulation is there silence concerning the church in the world. This is the strength of the futurist’s view that the church will not go through the times of tribulation in the earth but will be raptured before it begins. Jesus reminds John that he sent this message to the churches. The use of the plural (churches) is an indication of the need for each as well as all local churches to be aware of the message that is revealed about the end of time. Note that it was not sent as a general message to individual Christians everywhere. It is a message sent to the churches. This further endorses the need for individual Christians to be a part of a local church and to expect to receive spiritual guidance and encouragement from the same. Jesus communicates and works through his local churches.

We are also reminded of the blessing that comes to those that keep the sayings revealed in this book. The surest way to do this is to first know what the sayings are. Put another way, we should read and study this book with the expectation of being blessed by it and not frightened by it as sinners should be. Revelation is a book of hope for Christians and condemnation for sinners. There are seven beatitudes in this book. The first is found in the first chapter and the last two in the last chapter. I like to think that we were blessed as we began to read this book and we are twice as blessed as we finish! Here to, we are reminded that God only is to be worshiped. Whatever knowledge may be revealed to us about angels or other spiritual beings is not to be misused by holding them in higher esteem than we ought. They were created to be God’s servants and man’s fellow-servants. Only God is to be worshiped.

We are reminded that Christians will be rewarded for their works. We are saved by grace through our faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works. We shall be rewarded for our works. Those works we do to gratify our flesh are rewarded through self-gratification. As Jesus stated concerning those who did things to be seen of men, “They have their reward.” However, for those who do the right things secretly, your reward will be delivered by Jesus openly. The final chapter ends with 2 beatitudes and a very stern warning. This book is not to be taken lightly! To heed its words will bring blessings but to take away from the words will bring a curse. One of the blessings is the invitation by the Spirit to come and drink freely of the water of life.

Robert C. Hudson
May 21, 2011