Scripture
“I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come- the Almighty One.”

Observation
John describes his letter as a revelation from God of events soon to come. God blesses the person who reads the prophecy and those who obey it.

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the ruler of the kings of the world. He is coming, and everyone will see Him.

God is the first and the last, the one who is, who always was and is yet to come.

Application
God is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is outside of time, and there was not a time when He did not exist.

When we look at the powerful forces at work in the world whether military, political or corporate- we can be overwhelmed by them. Who can stand against them?

God is stronger than all these things. He is bigger than any created thing. He was there before them and will be there long after they have turned to dust. He is the first and the last, the Almighty God.

When it comes to our personal sufferings, our problems, relationships that are difficult, sins that we struggle with- God knows the end from the beginning. He is already at the place where these things are worked through.

God sees our heart, not just the situations we live through.

God is unchanging. He is always the same. Mountains may fall but God will not. Countries and cultures, families and neighbourhoods change, but God does not.

He is the rock. He is the one we can depend on always.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for the certainty that you will always be here. You will always be who you are now. There is no shadow of turning in you. Amen.

Read passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22:12-21

Scripture

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come”

And let everyone who hears say, “Come”

And let everyone who is thirsty come

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Observation

Jesus is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, and He is coming.

Those who wash their robes can freely enter the city and access the tree of life. Those who love sin remain outside.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come Lord Jesus”, and everyone who is thirsty may come to Him.

Application

The Bible ends with two invitations to come. First there is the request, the passionate call for Jesus to come and take full possession of the earth. Paul tells us all things must be put under Him.

Perhaps surprisingly there is also the invitation for everyone who is thirsty to come and drink. Right at the end of the Bible, at the conclusion of the end of the created order, there is sill an invitation to come. The New Jerusalem is a place of welcome and fulfilment for all who thirst for Jesus.

The work of the gospel never stops. The Lord is not willing for any to perish. The invitation to “come” must keep going forth.

If you are thirsty for the Lord, for justice, for righteousness, for forgiveness, for LIFE- then come and drink the living water.

Prayer

Lord I look forward to your return. Come Lord Jesus. But I look forward also to seeing your glory being shown in more and more people turning to you. May they say “Yes” to your invitation to come. Amen.

Read passage: Link

Scripture

“See! I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Observation

John describes the new Jerusalem.

In the new Jerusalem the presence of God is so strong that there is no need for a light such as the sun and moon because the glory of God lights the city.

The nations will walk by the light of the city and kings will come to bring their glory to it. Nothing unclean can come into the city, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The river of life flows from the throne of God and the tree of life grows on both sides of the river. The tree bears fruit all year long, and its leaves bring healing to the nations.

Application

Our first impulse is to read this passage as relating to the end times. In one sense this is true, but we need to see that this city is on earth not in heaven and it is here and now not in the future.

The city represents the church, the body of believers around the world. The light of the glory of God shines from us into the world. We are the temple of God and so there is no need for a physical temple. The river of life flows from us into the world bringing life and healing to all who will receive Christ.

Wherever I am today is somehow a part of God’s plan of transforming the world by bringing people into a living relationship with Him.

And this is now, not one day in the future.

Prayer

Lord you have called me into your glorious kingdom through the death and resurrection of your dear Son. Let your glory shine through me into the nations. Amen.

Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21.1-8

Scripture

Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”

Observation

A new heaven and a new earth are created, and the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven.

The home of God is now with men. He dwells with us and wipes away every tear. All death and its accompaniments of grief, crying and pain are gone.

Those who stand firm in Christ will inherit all things, but those who oppose God’s ways will be sent to the lake of fire.

Application

In many ways this passage is already true although for now we see partly and in the future we will see it clearly.

The New Jerusalem is the church, the bride prepared for her husband. Death has been conquered, and Christ is on the throne. He is making all things new and He gives us His living water.

All of this is the inheritance of the saints now.

There will be a future judgement, and we must be ready for that. The children of God, the disciples of Christ, will be ushered into an eternity of grace and life.

What a joy is given to those who walk with Him- in this life and the next.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus. You bring such hope and joy in this life, but the best is yet to come. Hallelujah! Amen.