Words of Comfort

A young man who was preaching his first sermon announced his text in Revelation 22 and read, “Behold I come quickly.” At that point his mind went blank and he couldn’t think of anything else to say. Then he remembered being told that if this happens to you, just repeat … More

Worship

One of the prominent themes of Revelation is stated “Behold, I come quickly” (v. 7). Also, a special blessing is promised to those who keep the sayings of this book. John is overwhelmed by all he has witnessed and heard and so he bows down to worship the angel who revealed all of this to him (v. 8).  Immediately he is rebuked and reminded that angels should not be worshiped but that God is the one to be worshiped (v. 9).

John was then told not to seal up the prophecy of this book since the time is near and people will need to understand what God is doing (v. 10). He goes on to say that when Christ comes destinies will be fixed. The “unjust” and filthy will remain this way forever, as well as the “righteous” and “holy” (v.11). Perhaps you have heard it said: “Sow a thought and reap an act.  Sow an act and reap a habit.  Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny.”

The final judgments of both the wicked and the righteous will be judgments of works (v.12). For the saints, the rewards will come at the Judgment Seat of Christ. For the wicked, they will come at the Great White Throne judgment. This should bring joyous expectation to those who are faithful and fear to those who have not been faithful.

Application

John was rebuked for worshiping the creature rather than the creator. It is so easy for me to put some man on a pedestal and begin to worship him. This is especially true when some strong leader demands blind loyalty to himself (He may say his position).

Revelation 22:7-16 (English Standard Version)


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