November 27, 2020
End Game
Revelation 22:12–21
KJ Weisheit
Central Truth
Jesus is coming soon. The Root, the descendant of David, the Bright Morning Star is coming to bring life to those who thirst for Him. He is the beginning and the end, the author of our faith, and the reward for those who have placed their faith and trust in Him.
Key Verse | Revelation 22:12-13
"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
Revelation 22:12–21
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 22:12–21
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is arguably the greatest movie franchise of all time. From Iron Man to Avengers: End Game and beyond, Marvel set up a story that is so seamless, you can't help but get to the end and be amazed that, after years of planning and production, with multiple writers, directors, actors, and authors, the threads of the story create such a single beautiful picture.
I will never forget, as a high school student, sitting in the theater and hearing Robert Downey Jr. boldly proclaim to the world, "I am Ironman." I will also never forget sitting in the theater 10 years and a wife and two kids later, hearing that same phrase uttered as he defeats the forces of evil and saves the universe. The one who started it all brought the first chapter of the MCU to a close.
As incredible as the picture of completion created by Marvel is, it pales in comparison to the beauty of the picture created by the completion of God's plan. From the beginning we find in Genesis 1 and John 1, to the new heaven, the new earth, and the restoration of Eden we see in Revelation, Jesus is what it's all about. The One who created it all brings the chapter of sin and death to a close and ushers in a new age of perfection, as it was always meant to be.
Revelation 22 tells us that Jesus is coming soon. He's coming to bring life to those who are thirsty for Him. He is also coming to bring judgment to those who continue to thirst for their own greatness. He is "the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Jesus didn't just show up 2,000 years ago and decide to die for us. Jesus isn't the backup plan. There is ever only one possible future, one path to victory. Jesus is the End Game.
Discussion Questions
1. When we remember that Jesus was there in the beginning and will be there at the end to bring all things to completion, how should that shape our view of the struggles we face now?
2. If we truly believe Him when He says, "I am coming soon," how should that shape our desire to share the gospel with those who don't know Him? What are the possible consequences of operating under the assumption of "I have time"?
3. At the end of Revelation, John warns us about altering the Word of God. By adding what we want it to say or removing what we don't like, what are the repercussions for ourselves and those around us? How/why does this lead to our destruction? What are examples we see of this in "churches" today?