Revelation 22 -- Not The End -- Just The BEGINNING!

John was shown what the new Jerusalem, which came down from heaven, will be like.  A main feature is the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, the source of all purity – running down the middle of the street!  The tree of life, forbidden for man to touch and eat all these millennia because nothing would be worse than becoming eternally bound in sin, is now available for inhabitants of the city.

But the part I loved the best was, “They shall see His face!”  Believers have worried throughout the Bible that seeing God would be more than a human mind and body could take, causing instant death.  His privileged followers were allowed to see His backside at times.  But then we will be able to see His face and marvel at the One who created us and loves us more than we could ever love ourselves!  Also His name will be written on our foreheads!  God will autograph us!  There will never be night again – no waiting for the morning to come.  In fact, we won’t need artificial light or even the light of the Sun because God’s glory will give us all the light we’ll need.

We’ll serve Him there in some way we can’t now imagine, and it will be perfect service, and we’ll also rule as kings forever.  John is constantly reminded that Christ is coming soon.  My commentary said that verse 11’s words do not mean that we should just give up on evangelism.  It said, instead, that the “coming soon” will occur so quickly that no man will have time to change his character.  It is, therefore, “a solemn warning that decision determines character, and character determines destiny.”  It’s worth it to live a godly life, because Jesus is returning, and He will reward you.”

Father, help me to share this with those I love who don’t yet know You and Your Son or who’ve turned away from You.  I want them to be with me and with You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford