Coming Soon

"The Angel said to me, 'These are dependable and accurate words, every one. The God and Master of the spirits of the prophets sent his Angel to show his servants what must take place, and soon. And tell them, "Yes, I'm on my way!" Blessed be the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.' " (Revelation 22:6,7 - The Message)

The person speaking changes several times during the last part of this chapter. In these two verses, it is Jesus that is speaking. He emphasis the truth revealed in this book. He gives His pledge to its truthfulness. He also reminds us that the God who inspired the prophets of old is the same God who sent the angel to reveal to John and us the things which will quickly come to pass.

Jesus reminds us that he too will come quickly. This does not mean that he would come soon, but that when the events revealed in this prophecy begin to unfold, they will quickly occur one after another. We have waited more than 1900 years since John received this Revelation. We do not know how much longer we will have to wait. However, once the first seal is opened. The events of the Tribulation will occur quickly and without pause.

To keep the sayings of this book makes a person blessed. This is more than just knowing what the book of Revelation says. It is doing what this book encourages: evangelism.

The River and The Tree

"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 22:1-5 - New American Standard)

The last chapter of Revelation contains more information about the New Jerusalem and some concluding comments. John makes it clear that the Revelation is not meant to distract us from our present circumstance, but encourage us to do all that we can for the Lord while there is time.

In the New Jerusalem, a pure clear river flows out of God's throne. This is the water of life. Also in the city is the Tree of Life which was in the Garden of Eden. After the fall, Adam and Eve were kept out of the Garden and away from this tree. It will have fruit year round. Its leaves bring health to all the people. This does not mean there will be any sickness, anymore than there will be hunger or thirst. The river, the tree and its leaves indicate that all our needs will be provided in the New Jerusalem.

There will be no curse. The curse of sin will be removed. It will be a perfect place.

John tells us that in eternity we will serve God. He does not tell us what that service will be. We will see God.

In the New Jerusalem there will be no night. There will be no need for candles or lamps or light bulbs. There will be no need for the sun or moon or stars to shine. The light of God's glory will illuminate the city.

John ends his description of the New Jerusalem by saying that we will reign with God for ever and ever. He does not tell us whom we will reign over. We must wait for eternity before we will fully understand all that John has told us.