Lesson 26
The angel who has been revealing the new heaven and new earth to John continues speaking to him. What does the angel say in 22:6b?
The speaker then changes from the angel to Christ, who says to John, “And behold, I am coming soon” (22:7a). He is coming soon, or “quickly,” but we must remember, a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day (2 Pet. 3:8). What does Christ next say to John (22:7b)?
John writes that when he hears and sees these things, he falls down to worship at the feet of the angel who shows them to him. Then, the angel tells him not to worship him because he is “a fellow servant” with John and his “brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book” (22:8–9c). Then, what does the angel say to John (22:9d)?
The angel again speaks to John and says, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book” (22:10a). This is unlike the command to Daniel to “shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end” (Dan. 12:4). Why is John commanded not to seal up this book (22:10c)?
Jesus again speaks and says, “Behold, I am coming soon” (22:12a). This means His return is imminent, not necessarily immediate. What does our Lord say next (22:12b–c)?
Although Christ will come to judge the world, He will also come to reward believers (2 Cor. 5:9–10). Our capacities for serving God will be our rewards in heaven. Part of our reward will be hearing Jesus say, “ ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ ” (Mt 25:23b). Then, what will the Lord say to His faithful servants (25:23c–d)?
Now, Jesus stresses His role in producing this book by saying, “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” (22:16). Jesus is both the root and the descendant of David. He is the root, or origin, of David because He is Creator of all things. However, as a human, Jesus is a descendant of David. How does Jesus describe Himself in the last phrase of verse 16?
The title of a sermon I read early in my ministry has stuck in my mind. It was entitled, “God’s Favorite Word.” The sermon explains His favorite word is “Come.” Revelation now ends with the final evangelistic appeal in the Bible (22:17a). Write it below:
Now, we come to the last recorded words of Jesus: “Surely I am coming soon” (22:20). In response, John writes, Amen, which means “so be it” or “I agree.” Then, he adds, Come, Lord Jesus! (22:20). Therefore, respond to Revelation with annunciation, which means to announce something, specifically, Jesus is coming soon. Be ready, and warn others to be ready! How does this book, and the Bible, end (22:21)?