One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Revelation 22:12-21. If you’re not familiar, this is the last part of the last chapter of the Bible. The words are the words of Christ. Here’s what He says:
12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 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. 18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
I’ll share just a few teaching highlights. First, in verse 12, Jesus warns that when He comes, He will reward His followers for what they have done in this life. This teaches me a few things. It teaches me that what I do in this life matters, that it has eternal consequences. It motivates me more to live my life for Christ.
If I value earthly treasure, there are two traps that come with those desires. The trap is this – I’m either going to get what the treasure I seek in this life, or I’m not.
The trap of getting what I want may cause me to love whatever that is more than Christ and pursue that thing instead of Christ. The trap of not getting what I want may cause me to despair and feel sorry for myself and pout around instead of being of service to Christ. But those who set their sights on eternal rewards won’t pursue the temporary things of this life, but instead the eternal things of God, having faith that whether I am blessed with much or little in this life is of no consequence compared to my eternal rewards.
Verse 14 teaches that His rewards belong to those who have “washed their robes,” a symbolism of those who have had their sins washed away by his sacrifice. Those who don’t have their sins forgiven will be cast outside of God’s presence. Jesus teaches that when he returns it will be so quickly there will not be time to make any last-minute decisions, so time to make a decision for Him is of the essence.
In verse 17, Jesus issues an invitation to “the one who hears” and to “the one who is thirsty” – He says if you want it, you can have the water of life without cost. What he means is that His salvation is a gift. You can’t buy it and you can’t earn it. You can only receive it.
Lord willing, He’s coming back soon. Are you ready for His arrival?
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
