SCRIPTURE UNION DISCOVERY DEVOTIONAL (USA)
Scripture Union Discovery 19th June 2023, Monday Devotional Message
TOPIC: Coming Soon
Read REVELATION 22:10-21
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
Epilogue: Invitation and Warning
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have 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, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Footnotes
- Revelation 22:16 The Greek is plural.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture Union Discovery 19th June 2023 Reflect
Jesus makes it possible for us to draw near to God (Hebrews 10:19–22). Be still and enjoy the presence of the living God.
Jesus’ word to the seven churches (1:8) crops up again (v 13), reminding us that this revelation is Jesus’ gift to the church (v 16). Jesus wants us to be sure of our destination – life with God (v 14). And if we are fixed on our relationship with him (v 17), we will be able to endure to the end. So rather than listen to the doubts of the world around us, let’s listen to Jesus. He is so determined that we understand that he says it three times (vs 7,12,20).
Jesus’ certain return will reverse the curse of Genesis. Adam and Eve’s descendants will live with God in his garden city and eat from the tree of life (v 14). Our job is to be ready (v 12). Note the specific entry conditions (vs 14,15): only those who ‘have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb’ (7:14) can enter. It is not our good works but only Christ’s blood on the cross that redeems us from the consequences of sin (v 15; Ephesians 1:7) and ushers us into God’s New Jerusalem (v 14).
Apply
Just as humans need water, so God’s people need his Spirit (v 17; John 7:37–39), for the Spirit prepares us for Jesus’ return. Are you thirsty? Take and drink.
Closing prayer
Just as humans need water, so God’s people need his Spirit (v 17; John 7:37–39), for the Spirit prepares us for Jesus’ return. Are you thirsty? Take and drink.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY
