Final Things
Notes
Transcript
Tonight, we enter into the last Chapter of Revelation, but also the last Chapter of God’s Word. It is the last Chapter of revelation in general. It is the last inspired words of God to man, and it is full. It has glory and honor to the Godhead. It has warnings. It has hope. And yes, it has a final call of invitation. It may very well be the most diverse Chapter in all of Scripture.
The River of Life and The Tree of Life
The River of Life and The Tree of Life
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Interestingly, this phrase, “water of life” is only found here in Revelation. It is mentioned in Revelation 21:6; 22:1; 22:17.
The depiction of this “water” is a tough one because we are told in 21:1 that there is no more sea. If there is no more sea, where does this river come from and where does it go? Some might even say this river is not a river at all, but rather symbolism for the Holy Spirit (John 7:38).
Though it may very well symbolize the Holy Spirit, I do believe this is a physical river. It is said that there are three trees of life, one in the middle and one on either side of this river. We know that trees drink water from the earth and that there are usually trees on the banks of rivers so this makes sense. It also tells us in verse 17, that whoever desires can come and take of the water of life freely.
Notice that this river is full of pure water. John Phillips writes:
Exploring Revelation: An Expository Commentary C. John’s Final Impressions (22:1–5)
Most of earth’s cities are built along the banks of important rivers that soon become polluted by the cities to which they give rise. Here, however, is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This is no muddy, filthy stream, but a pure and crystal river containing the very essence of life itself. It flows from the throne of God. That throne, such a source of terror to evildoers, is the source of life to those who know and love the Lord.
Not only do we see here the water of life, we also see the tree of life, which it says will bear twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. Though we see mention of the tree of life as far back as Genesis, this particular information is new. We all know that fruit trees bear their own fruit. Jesus even alludes to this:
44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.
In other words, according to the natural way of life, trees don’t change their fruit. Apple trees bear apples… every year. Orange trees bear oranges… every year. But yet we are told here that the tree will bear twelve fruits.
The only other way I can make sense of this is if there are actually twelve different trees of life, each of which will yield its fruit every month. This would mean that each one of the trees would bear its own new fruit each month… but then what is a month when dwelling in eternity? If there is no night (vs. 5), then what would constitute a month? Will there be time at all?
All that being said, there is much here that cannot be explained. It is simply beyond our comprehension.
We are also told that the tree of life’s leaves are for the healing of the nations. We are never told that the leaves are actually meant to be eaten, but many believe that it is implied here. Regardless, the leaves will have great significance of some sort.
The Source of That Life
The Source of That Life
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
One of the most beautiful things we might ever here is that when we get there, there shall be no more curse. The curse of sin is gone forever. The curse of being fallen, separated, and diminished will be no more. Amen!
Instead of being separated from God, the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it. We will dwell in the very presence of God for the rest of forever. And, it tells us that His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. It does tell us who these servants are, but I am hoping this refers to all of us.
As discussed in the last chapter, there shall be no night there… for the Lord God gives them light. His glory shall radiate and light all that is needed to be seen. Here on this earth, we are only capable to see part of what really exists. We cannot see into the spiritual realm. But there, we will not be limited any more. We shall have perfect sight and be permitted to see all that the light of God touches. Because the light of God will reach all things, darkness will not exist. We will reign with Him forever and ever.
The Time Is Near
The Time Is Near
6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
Not surprising that the words of the Faithful and true witness (Rev 3:14 ) are faithful and true! Everything that God has sent through His angel to John, and to the prophets of old are faithful and true. We have seen this be the case with all of the old prophecies that have been fulfilled, so we can be sure that the others that are still yet to be fulfilled will also be true.
Though God has been allowing an angel to show John all of these things, Jesus decides that this next bit of information needs to come from Him directly: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
At the hearing of Jesus voice, John falls at the feet of the angel to give worship, but the angel quickly says, “See that you do not do that… Worship God.” God is the One whom you should be worshipping, not me.
Once John has the chance to collect himself, the angel gives him another piece of information: “Do not seal the words of prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” In other words, my people need to hear the words of this book. Do not hide them from them. Circulate this book and let these things be known to my people. The urgency here is clear.
Some will say, “Yea, but we don’t know when Jesus is coming back. It may be years and years from now.” This is true. But it is also true that it could be tonight, or tomorrow. The message that Jesus gives us is that we are to work and grow and develop as if we will be here for a long time coming, but we are to stay vigilant as if our time is up. There is to be an urgency to the Gospel we preach. Jesus preached with urgency, and he has commanded us to do the same.
Parting Words
Parting Words
12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Jesus here repeats the claim that He is coming quickly, but here He adds to the message. Not only is He coming quickly, He is bringing His reward with Him. The coming of Jesus is not to be a dreaded thing, but rather something that we long for, and if we are truly part of His kingdom, we will long for it. It is a glorious time for us and Him and something to be celebrated. He will be seen as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Those of us who do His commandments in eager expectation of His arrival will be blessed. The blessing that we will receive is that we will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
Those who choose not to be obedient to His word will left outside. This is figurative of course, as those who do not make it in will be cast out forever.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
Yet again we are told from Jesus Himself that He wants these things to be heard and known by those within the church. His last words are used to confirm who He is:
I am the Root and the Offspring of David
This phrase speaks to the deity of Christ. How can something be the Root (ancestor) and the Offspring of an individual. In His deity, He is the Root of David. It is from Christ that David was risen. In His humanity, He is the Offspring of David and the One to whom will fulfill the Davidic covenant. This title speaks to Jesus as the God-man… Fully God and Fully Man and Fully One!
I am the Bright and Morning Star
In biblical times, to reference to someone as a star was to praise them, or exalt them.
17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John MacArthur writes:
Revelation 12–22: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Because of Christ’s Person
As the morning star heralds the arrival of the day, so Jesus’ coming will herald the end of the darkness of man’s night, and the glorious dawn of His kingdom.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
It seems fitting that the Holy Spirit, the author of this great Book, would be the One to close out the Book. In His closing, He offers a final invitation, “Come!”
Notice that the first part of this verse is an invitation from the Spirit and the bride, which is the church, to Jesus: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” The Spirit and the Church both long for the long-awaited promise of future glory!
The second part of this invitation is to sinners: “And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Let those who hear the cries of the Spirit and the Church join in with them. Let them come into the family of God. Let them come into peace. Let them have life.
Come and take freely from the water of life. The grace of God cost Him everything, but it cost us nothing. It is the free gift of God to anyone who would… come!!!
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
We have here the final warning of Scripture. Do not add to or take away from the Word of God. To do so is to bring about destruction to yourself.
I can’t think of any true Christian who would purposefully do such a thing. We debate what we think things mean within the Scriptures, but we are called to treat the Scriptures with the most amazing level of respect for it is indeed the living, breathing Word of God. This must not change!
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
John repeats Christ’s words here, that He is coming quickly, and then follows that with a great Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
And truly… may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. Amen.
