SERMON - THE BOOK OF REVELATION IN WORDS OF UNDERSTANDING part 26

The Book of Revelation

In

Words of Understanding

Part 26

 

 

 

John relates the beauty of all he beheld and the wonders of the beautiful creation made for the believers and servants of God. We, as Christians and named in the Book of Life, will face Jesus Christ as souls who are truly saved while the others must face a judgment for either their disbelief or outright rejection of their Savior.

 

When I heard of misguided people, just months ago, cursing the Holy Spirit and denying the existence of God, I wondered just how foolish and unthinking they were.

 

Additionally, I heard of supposed Christian groups that laughed as they predicted the spiritual deaths of men and women who served in our military. One group, the first, seeks condemnation while the other may be condemning them through utter stupidity.

 

If confronted by either, personally or confronted for being Christian, just remember these words that John has written at the direction of God.

 

The most peaceful, beautiful, and astounding place has been created for us in God’s Paradise . Do not allow any man or woman to shake your belief in God, continue to walk the path as Jesus taught and when attacked, ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide. The reward that God has created for us is far beyond our capacity to imagine!     

 

 Revelation 22: 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

 

The “water” that flows is the Word of God that sates our thirst for knowledge of Him. The “tree” bearing 12 crops are the servants of God that, by faith, did not waiver from their belief. These are the 12 tribes of Israel that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The “leaves” represent their assisting others to join them in their love of Christ.

 

3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

 

The “curse” is that set upon man, by God, as is set forth in Genesis 3:17. God has lifted this curse and there will be no needs unmet as God is rewarding His faithful servants. All will now be able to “see His face.” If you will recall Exodus 33:20 is when God said that no man could view His face and live. Now all of His children will see Him as they will have been deemed righteous. “His name will be on their foreheads is to say, God will be the focus of all thought of His servants.  

 

5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

 

He is the Light of the world. He will provide all light, understanding and fulfill every possible need, of which there will be none.

 

We, along with those God has found worthy and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, will reign with Him and be seen as righteous.

 

6 The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."

 

John is emphatically told that all that has been revealed is “trustworthy and true.” He learns that God’s prophets and those that speak His TRUE Word are telling everything the must and will take place that will fulfill God’s Word.

 

This may be taken as the conclusion of the revelations John had made known to him.

 

 7 "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."

 

These words could have only been spoken by Jesus Christ and tell us that He will be coming “soon.” So important is His statement of “coming soon (quickly)” is reflected by His repetitions in Verses 12 and 20 of this Chapter.

 

 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" 

 

John tell us that he was so taken by all that he had witnessed that he fell at the feet of his guide in awe and reverence but before he could say or do anything he was admonished, ”Do not do it!” John heard those words clearly and also heard as he was told why and that there is but One to worship and that is God. 

 

What was being conveyed are events that have happened since the beginning of time as we know it. Men worshipped idols (pagan) and when God was made known began to imagine that Saints, angels, Mary and graven images should be knelt before. In warning John of his error we learn that this is wrong and no others are to be venerated or worshipped except God! 

 

 10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy."

 

John, just as all other Christian Ministers, Pastors and teachers are to make known God’s Revelation. I, just as those that have preceded me, will do this as God has instructed me to. After my lifetime on earth those Ordained to do so will preach and teach His Word in truth and with the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Any that do sinful things and do not repent to God and from sin can do so, but at the peril of losing their eternal life. Those that are accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior must continue to obey God and live in accordance with His Word.   

  

 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 

 

The words, “according to what he has done,” may be understood as telling us that Jesus sees us in accordance with our attitude and our behavior. In effect a warning is being issued by Jesus Himself. Just because someone says, “I am saved,” does not make it so. Jesus can see what is in your heart and what is your mind. It is by confession, to God, and repentance that we are saved, not by merely mouthing the words. 

 

In voicing “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” Jesus Christ reminds us that He is God and that He sees and knows all and will reward those that follow Him in faith. This may be seen as the central message of the Book of Revelation.

 

(Closing prayer)

Almighty God, You are indeed the Alpha and the Omega; the beginning and the end. There is no God but You, Lord, and it is to You, and only, You that we pray.

 

You have promised that your true servants will be rewarded by giving them eternal life with You. Father, we strive to be righteous and worthy of Your salvation. Please forgive us when we fall and grant us this eternal life with You.

 

Lord, You sent Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way. In turn He sent us the Holy Spirit to be our Guide. Father, grant us the strength to walk in the path of Jesus and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be with us O Lord, now and forever.

 

Abba, we ask that You send Your angels to protect our military. Protect them in times of need and guard them from those that would do them harm. Guide and enlighten the elected officials that are in office. Have each and every one of them open their hearts to truth.

 

Lead our judges and have them interpret the laws they are sworn to uphold in a manner that is above reproach. Protect our police officials and those charged with our national security. 

 

Father, there are so many of Your children throughout the world in need of food and safety. We ask that You see to their comfort and take them home with You to Paradise rather than allow them to suffer under the rule of tyrants.

 

These things we prey in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is One with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever,

Amen, amen and amen.