Revelation 22:1-21
Thursday, 23 March 2023
“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 wishes take the water of life without cost.” -Revelation 22:17
The last book of the Bible reveals the things that will happen in the end times. It is therefore significant to note that in the last chapter of the last book a message for preparation is extended to all. In our key verse an invitation is extended to the hearers to come and drink from the living water of life!
The living water of life is eternal life in Christ Jesus. This invitation by the Spirit remains open to anyone who will come by faith to Christ to accept the Lord’s gracious offer of eternal life. [NKJV Study Bible]. We see how Jesus offered this “living water” to the Samaritan woman: “…but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). She willingly accepted the offer and her life was changed from then on!
Prior to this offer in our reading, the admonition is given to keeping a person holy “…let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” Then a list of people who will not be admitted in the kingdom of God is also provided: “Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.”(Vs.15) Such people have NO ENTRY into God’s holy city.
Similar lists are provided in several places in the New Testament—
· Galatians 5:19-21 says: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
· 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”
There is no middle ground for those who continue in these sins—without truly repenting and turning away, giving them up so that he/she can be cleansed he/she cannot receive the living water which Christ Jesus offers. Jesus’ shed blood on the cross is able to cleanse a person from any/all sin! Dear brother/sister, the world and its desires will pass away but only he who does what is pleasing to God will live forever (Refer 1 John 2: 16, 17).
Will you go after the temporary pursuits of this world which can never satisfy your soul? Today Jesus offers you the life-giving water—that which only can quench the thirst in your soul. The emptiness in your soul after your pursuit of every vain thing of the world that couldn’t satisfy, can only be filled by Him. Come to the River of Life– Jesus offers you a brand, new life in exchange for the ruined empty life you have been living. Find life in Him!
THINK ON IT: “Do you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not!” (Mark 8:36 GNT)
Listen: 'The River of God'