Come, Lord Jesus: Daily Thoughts from Revelation (Revelation 22:14-21)

The book of Revelation is one of the most intriguing books in the New Testament. Who doesn’t want to know the future? Even before I became a Christian and was simply a church-goer, I was curious about this book. But if I study it only out of curiosity I have missed its point. It is given to motivate me to faithfulness and praise.

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:14-21 ESV)

Jesus once again affirms those who follow him that their reward is access to the tree of life and an eternal pass into the holy city where only righteousness dwells.  The wicked who dwell outside the holy city are dwelling in the Lake of Fire.  He, of course, is in the city and he acknowledges that he has sent his angel to bring this whole prophecy to the churches.  He is David’s greater son, the Messiah and King, the bright and morning star that stands out among all stars as the dawn arises.

He offers his grace to all.  We who are the thirsty who have found in him life-giving water for free and we must invite others to come and drink.  But they must be thirsty before they would want this water.  They must desire it.

As he closes John warns all that the truths of this prophecy must not be distorted.  The one who does distort and change this message will not have a place in this holy city. The Lord Jesus has revealed amazing things to us about our future. He wants us to know what to expect and especially to know how much he longs to reward us and vouchsafe a glorious hope for eternity. It moves us to say,

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!