December 12, 2014
A HEARTBEAT AWAY
Revelation 22:8-21
Bobby Crotty
Central Truth
We all are a heartbeat away from facing the One who will "repay each one for what he has done" (Revelation 22:12b). The big question is whether we "take the water of life without cost" (Revelation 22:17c, NASB).
Key Verse | Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (Revelation 22:17, NASB)
Revelation 22:8-21
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, 9 but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, 1 22:14 Some manuscripts do his commandments so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. 2 22:21 Some manuscripts all the saints Amen.
Dive Deeper | Revelation 22:8-21
Dear HB,
We are counting the days until we get to meet you and are excited to see how you grow during your first year of life. By the time this is published, you will have entered a world that seems to teeter on the edge of chaos, but it is one that its Creator loves -- even to the point of sending His own Son to enter the world just as you have. Our ultimate hope for this world is that His Son, known as Jesus, is coming back again to make everything right, something this passage I am addressing makes abundantly clear.
Some might think it unusual that my first communication to you, little Heart Beat, would be about the the book of Revelation. But it is a book your Gramps loves because it provides the ultimate end of the story. And it is a great story of redemption for all who accept "the water of life without cost" (Revelation 22:17c, NASB). This water of life without cost is not without price, though. And it was a high price because it cost God's Son His life, paying for my rebellion against His Father. You see, the Son took my place and suffered the death I deserved. You will learn soon enough about saying "no" when you should be saying "yes."
It is my constant prayer for you, little Heart Beat, that you may know God's Son as your mom and dad, your uncle and aunt, and your Nana and I (and many others in your family) know Him. You will find life in Him as we have. He will guide, protect, and love you in ways that only He can. He will also discipline you when you stray from His path. But He will do so in the way a loving father corrects his son. He will do so for your benefit so that you may share His holiness (Hebrews 12:10b).
This same Son will one day return to the earth to correct injustice and to judge the wrongdoers. It may even happen in your lifetime. When you know Him, you will say with me and many, "Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)
Love, Gramps
Discussion Questions
1. Have you tasted "the water of life without cost" (Revelation 22:17c, NASB)? If so, how has it changed you? Who can you share it with today?
2. One day, we all will stand before the One True, Righteous Judge. What will you have to show Him? Will you be depending on your righteousness or His?
3. If you have trusted in Christ, what have you done with the time, talents, and treasures He has entrusted to you? If you are reading this question, there is still time to use those gifts in His service. What will you do today?
4. Do you believe that Jesus is coming back? Are you living like you really believe it? What needs to change in your life today to be ready for His return? We are not promised tomorrow. What does the reality of Jesus' return motivate you to do today?