The Book of Revelations Chapter 22
(1) Through the Old Testament, prophets used the picture of a river as a powerful expression of richness, provision, and peace. Because this river comes straight from God, it cannot be anything other than pure and abundant.
(2) The Bible begins with a tree and now seeing the tree of life again points to a restoration of all things. Now at last, at the end of the great drama of the Bible, man may return and is finally allowed enjoy the blessing from which he was banished for sinfully desiring in the first place.
“fresh crop each month” Apparently, heaven will still mark time, but not be subject to it in the same way we are on this side of eternity.
Some people wonder if we will eat in heaven. The best answer is that we can eat, but will not have to. In His resurrection body, Jesus enjoyed food . Angels ate with Abraham. The great heavenly reunion between Jesus and His people is described as a marriage supper. Even though man fell by what he ate, God will still allow us to eat in heaven.
Why do the nations need healing? In the ancient Greek language, the word for healing can also mean “health-giving,” and this may be the sense here. The word for ‘healing’ is therapeian, from which the English word therapeutic is derived, almost directly transliterated from the Greek.
(3) In heaven, the curse is gone. Since the fall, man and creation have lived with the effect of the curse described in Genesis, sadness, pain in childbirth, friction between the sexes, the necessity of hard work for man’s sustenance, and of course death. These aspects of the curse will even be present during the Millennium, though they will be greatly reduced by the perfect rule of Jesus.
Heaven will be a place of work and service for God’s people. However, this is a picture of the pure blessedness of service.
(4) Heaven will be a place where God’s people see His face, a place of intimate, face to face fellowship with God. Moses was denied the privilege of seeing God face to face, but everyone in heaven shall see His face.
Heaven will be a place where God’s people will forever be identified with their God, and there will never be any doubt that they belong to Him.
(5) Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. The light is not artificial or even from the sun – God Himself is the light.
(6) The angel that has shown these things to John reminds John that it isn’t too good to be true. John is assured that it is in fact trustworthy and true.
(7) The word quickly in the ancient Greek isn’t exactly the same as our word for “quickly.” The word quickly might with accuracy be translated as suddenly.
(8-9) As he did in Revelation 19, John is overwhelmed, and bows before an angel in worship. In the same way, the angel reminds John that only God is to be worshipped, and that they are both “players” on the same “team” – along with all the other followers.
(10) The book should be opened and read and studied or fear will surround it as well as many false facts.
(11) The thought here is probably “since Jesus is coming so suddenly, there won’t be time for change.” There will be no time for last minute repentance, but there is time now. If what you have read in Revelation hasn’t changed you, there isn’t much hope!
(12) Another warning that he will appear suddenly, and to be ready.
(13) As an added incentive for us to do and be what is right, being ready for Jesus’ return, He reminds us just who He is.
Verses 14-16
(14) ” wash their robes “Just by obeying His commandments does not earn us eternal life, but it is evidence that we have been granted eternal life. Besides, there is a blessing in doing His commandments, because they are good and right for us.
(15) This is not a dig at “doggie Heaven” but just an ancient expression as dogs were seen as scavengers.
(16) The Book of Revelation is written to the churches. This book is not a private affair, knowable only by an elite – it is for all believers. It’s also worth noting that this is the first reference to the church since the letters to the seven churches.
(17) Who can come?
Whoever desires can come, but they can’t come unless God works in their heart to desire Him.
So how do you know if God has worked in your heart? Go through a little checklist.
- Have you heard?
- Are you thirsty for God and eternal life?
- Do you want Him?
- Then come!
(18-19) This means that there is a high price to pay for tampering with the Book of Revelation specifically, and the Scriptures in general.
(20) Again in the last verses of the Holy Scriptures Jesus gives yet another warning that He will arrive suddenly. And by now no one can honestly say that they were surprised at His sudden arrival.
(21) The last verse of the Old Testament contains a curse
” I will come and strike the land with a curse”
Fittingly, the last words of the New Testament speak of grace, because grace describes God’s dealing with us, with the New Covenant.
Amen