As we read the last chapter of the book of Revelation. We need to remember that Revelation was written to the churches to encourage them to finish the plan God has set for them. It is a great time to ask you, will you finish the course that God has set for you stronger than when you started it? As you will remember, some of these churches have lost their focus and drive to be the light and salt of their area. Is this true for you? If so, what will you do to correct this?

    Remember that the angel that John is talking about, is the one in Revelation 21:9, one of the seven angels with the vials (bowls). This time he shows John the pure river of the water of life and the tree of life. Why would John need to see this? In addition, why would they be written in the last chapter of Revelation? We know that Satan and all of God’s foes are not around and that the second death has no power in HEAVEN. So why place these items here and now? I believe that God wants mankind to know that there is really no death in heaven and that eternal life in heaven is meant for ALL of mankind. Moreover, this eternal life comes from the throne of God and the Lamb (which is Jesus). You do see that the Bible does not say thrones but throne. By this reality of water coming from the throne, you have a picture of eternal life.

    In addition to the water flowing from the throne, there is a tree that gives twelve sorts of fruits. However, it is the tree’s leaves that do something special: the healing of the nations (people). Before the nations (people) were at odds with each other. Now there will be real peace that comes from God and has NO ENDING. For this tree is watered by the water which comes from the throne and contains life.

    In Revelation 22:3 - 4, we have a reference back to Genesis 3:14 - 19 the curse and the relationship God had with mankind. When God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” and God would come in the cool of day to fellowship with Adam and Eve. The curse has been removed from the face of the world and mankind no longer has sin in them. Remember that the old earth and heaven fled from the face of God. In addition, in Revelation 21:3, 22 – 27 tell us that God and the Lamb will be here on earth in the New Jerusalem. Due to the fact that the curse has been removed and there is NO SIN in mankind, mankind can now look upon the face of God and live. For in Exodus 33:17 – 23 we read that mankind could not look on the face of God. In addition to all of this, God’s name will be upon their foreheads.

    In verse 5, we are told again that God will be the light of the city. We learn that this light will put the sun to shame, because God’s light will be so bright that there will be no need for the sun and that it will cover the whole earth at one time. We are told that there will be no night in this place, because of the eternal light of God.

    In Revelation 22:6 – 7, we have a complete summary of the whole Bible with a focus on Revelation. You may be asking why I say this. Well let us examine these verses a little closer and find the evidence to this statement. First, the angel says, “These sayings are faithful and true.” We have read these words before in Revelation 19:11 when they were used of Jesus. They are also used in Revelation 3:14:

Revelation 3:14:

    And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true     witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

    We have Jesus who has existed from before the beginning of creation telling the angel and mankind what to place in His word for mankind to live by. Also in Revelation 22:6, we read “of the holy prophets;” the prophets were of the Old Testament. The words “his servants” has been used to refer to Moses, John and others who God sent out to the people. Revelation is the final message that God sends to the whole world to warn them of what is to come quickly. Remember, God is not on the same time frame as you are. Read Psalms 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8.

Psalms 90:4

    For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

2 Peter 3:8

    But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a     thousand years as one day.

    Now, ask yourself which one of the seven churches you are. Repent and get back to doing what God has called you to. This letter that we call “Revelation” was to go to all of the churches, which are in Asia. Remember, I told you that in your Christian walk you would be representing one of these churches. So which one are you today? That is why it is so important to examine ourselves daily so that we will be accountable unto God and blessed for keeping the sayings of this prophecy, of this book. Not only are we to examine ourselves, but also we are to help the world to know about God’s love through Jesus Christ.

    In Revelation 22:8 -9, John makes a mistake for the second time, he worships the angel. Let us look at this matter very closely because there are many who call themselves Christians that have made this mistake. How is John able to do this for the second time? Before we attempt to answer that question, we need to read Revelation 19:6 – 10 in which John tries to worship the angel the first time. Now with both of these events, we can answer the question. In both of these events, John is being shown some awesome events, he took his eyes off the true focus, and started to worship the angel (messenger). We see a lot of this in mankind who get caught up worshipping things and other humans, because they perceive these to be something special. In reality, there is only one to be worshiped and His name is Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. In Revelation 22:9 & 19:10, the angel tells John “…See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant…” also we are warned about the worshiping of angels in Colossians 2:18.

    In Revelation 22:10 – 21, are restatements of the importance of this book to the seven churches. Please remember that this book was sent out to the churches to encourage them to step up to their calling and live out their work. Remember when Jesus says that he is coming quickly that does not mean according to mankind’s time, for a thousand years is as one day to the Lord.

    Allow me to put verses 11, 14, 15, and 17 together. But before we do this let’s read Matthew 28:18 – 20:

Matthew 28:18 – 20

    18. And Jesus came, and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
    19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of          the Holy Spirit:
    20. Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even          to the end of the world. Amen.

These verses are very important in the face of Revelation 22:11, 15 because some may think that Jesus is saying forget about some people. However, what He is saying is do not spend all of your time working with one group of people and forget about the rest of mankind. We know how we will spend all of our energy and time on one person thinking we can save or fix them. Also, know that when you are fulfilling your calling for the LORD, you will be around dogs (humans of impure mind), whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and liars, just as Jesus was when he came here to earth to save us.

    Just remember what it says in Revelation 22:14, and keep doing the work of the Lord in season and out of season.

Revelation 22:14

    Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in     through the gates into the city.