Tag: Revelation 22:17
Living by God’s Word
Scripture reading for August 19: Job 23:10-12 “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.”
Matthew 4:4 “But He answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Job’s trial of extreme loss and then sickness approaching death was allowed by God to prove that Job served God for Who He was, not just for the benefits God gives those who trust Him. God knows everything about us, including the genuineness of our faith. We don’t have all the inside information of why God allows these tests, but they bring out of us amazing faith and confessions. Job confessed that God knew all about his walk of faith. Job was confident that when the test was over, he would come out like gold from the fire–free from impurities.
He had sought to walk closely with God and to keep His commandments. He stated that he treasured God’s Word more than his portion of food. This reminds us of Jesus’ confession when Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread after a forty day fast. Jesus stated that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) (Deuteronomy 8:3) Faith also comes by hearing God’s Word. (Romans 10:17) Job was revealing where his faith came from and how he knew his faith was genuine.
As we go through various trials, Peter tells us to rejoice in the testing of our faith. Faith is more precious than gold that is perishing as it is part of creation. Faith in God leads to eternal life and eternal joy–kept in heaven for us and soon revealed in Jesus’ return. “Come, Lord Jesus!” is the last prayer of the church recorded in Scripture! (Revelation 22:17, 20) Amen!
A River to Swim in!
Scripture reading for August 29: Ezekiel 44-48
As we close out Ezekiel, we come to the vision recorded in chapter 47. Ezekiel was taken by the man with the measuring line to the entrance of the temple facing east. There he saw a stream of water coming down from the south side from south of the altar. He then took Ezekiel out the north gate to the outside of the east gate and measured off a thousand cubits (450 meters or 1500 feet). Ezekiel found the water there to be ankle-deep. Another thousand cubits and the water was knee-deep and another thousand the water was waist-deep. A final thousand cubits and the water was so deep that he could not cross it by walking. Along the banks of the river, a great number of trees were growing. (Ezekiel 47:3-7)
Ezekiel was told by the man that the water entered the Dead Sea and there those waters became fresh. The waters were full of swarms of living creatures and large numbers of fish. Fishermen stood on the banks and cast their nets harvesting the fish. Fruit trees grew along the banks and they were always green and yielded fresh fruit each month. This fruit would be for food and the leaves of these trees would bring healing.(Ezekiel 47:8-12) Following this vision, there were detailed instructions about how to divide the land among the twelve tribes. Finally, the city of Jerusalem has 12 gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel. The name of that city will be “The Lord is There”. (Ezekiel 48:30-35)
This vision is similar to the Apostle John’s vision in the book of Revelation. John saw an angel with a measuring rod of gold who was measuring the city, it’s gates, and walls. (Revelation 21:15-21) The walls were made of precious stones and the gates were made of single pearls. The street of the city was pure gold! God’s presence filled the city with light and there was no need of sun or moon because of this glorious light! There was a river flowing from the throne of God down the middle of the street with trees bearing fruit each month. (Revelation 22:1-5) The leaves of these trees were for the healing of the nations! Best of all, God and the Lamb would be with His people and they would behold His face!
Do you have this river flowing in you? Come to Jesus Christ and drink freely of this water of life! Your Heavenly Father wants you to have His Holy Spirit filling your life to overflow. You will be eternally satisfied! (Revelation 22:17)
I am coming soon!
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 22
Key Scriptures: Revelation 22:1-5 “Then the angel showed me the River of the water of Life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the Tree of Life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
John is finally allowed to see the River of Life and the Tree of Life on the main street of the New Jerusalem. He is assured that nothing accursed will be allowed in to entice those in the city to eat of anything else because the throne of God and Christ the Lamb are in the middle of this city. Their presence brings glorious light to everything and there can be no darkness or shadow of turning. The sun and stars will no longer shine because heaven and earth are now one and Christ’s glorious rulership will be forever and ever with His Father, God. This eternal blessedness is reserved for all who by faith received Jesus Christ as Lord and repented of their sins. Now is the time to act for Jesus is coming soon (suddenly)!
Revelation 22:6-7 “And He said to me, “These Words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this book.””
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, I hear Your eternal Word and have read it myself and believe it to be true and clear. I look forward to seeing Your face and partaking of the Tree of Life and River of Life forever and ever in the light of Your amazing glory and grace. I ask for mercy towards my children and grandchildren and all friends and neighbors that they may share in this amazing prophecy of Jesus Christ, King of kings, and Lord of Lords!
Revelation 22:17, 20-21 “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 of the Water of Life without price.” . . .”He Who testifies to these things says, “Surely, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”