Read Revelation 22:12–17
Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does v12 begin? What are they to behold that Jesus is in the process of doing? What is with Him? To do what with it? What two things does He call Himself in v13? In what three ways? Who are the blessed (v14)? To what do they have a right? Through what may they enter? What six groups are named as being outside (v15)? Who has sent whom (v16)? To do what? Where? What does He call Himself in relation to David? What else does He call Himself? What three say what to Him (v17)? Whom else do they urge to come? For what are they urged to come?
What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life.
This (v12–17) is the second of three (v6–11, v18–21) “I am coming quickly” passages. Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary to bring His people into His blessedness.
He is returning to bring reward (v12). And the reward is His, personally, because everything is about Him. Three times, here, He says that He is the first and the last, indicating that He is the triune God’s communication of Himself to us. All things are from Him and to Him, and our reward will exactly correspond to our works.
If, by His grace, we have been both counted righteous and made righteous, we will be blessed forever (v14). If, remaining in ourselves, we are made abhorrent (“dogs,” v15) by our wickedness (the other five in the list), we will be put out of this blessedness (cf. 21:8).
In this declaration to the churches (v16a), the emphasis is on the union of Jesus with His bride. He is both the Source of all redemption (the root of David, v16b), and the One Who has come to accomplish it (the Offspring of David). From the beginning of time to its end, He has been focused upon union with His bride. And now both sides of that union are represented in the Spirit’s eagerness, and the bride’s eagerness, for Him to come (v17). The true hearer of this book joins this call as a member of the bride, also “Come!” to Him.
And the Lord Himself gives a similar call to each one who has a thirst or desire for life from Him. Even more than a warning against unpreparedness, this book is His appeal to be prepared by coming to Him for life!
How is your belonging to Christ evidenced in your life? When do you feel/express your desire for Him to come?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we have been forgetful of You, Who are the Alpha and the Omega. All things are from You and to You, and we rejoice at Your purpose of bringing Your bride into eternal blessedness and life with You. Forgive us for that sinful that remains, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”
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