{"id":9930,"date":"2020-06-24T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/?p=9930"},"modified":"2020-06-21T11:48:57","modified_gmt":"2020-06-21T18:48:57","slug":"revelation22_1-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/revelation22_1-21\/","title":{"rendered":"What It\u2019s Like In Heaven (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Revelation 22:1-21\u00a0 \u00a0Click here for Bible Verses<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hi GAMErs,<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s passage is Revelation 22:1-21.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n1\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0Then 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
\n2\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0down the middle of the great street of the city\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 1-2a:\u00a0 In Psalm 46:4 we read that \u201c[t]here is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.\u201d\u00a0 Here in Revelation 22, John gets to see that river.\u00a0 According to John\u2019s description, heaven is such a beautiful city that there is a river of living water, clear as crystal, that flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of heaven.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:2 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n2\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0 \u2026On 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.
\n<\/em>
\nOn verse 2b:\u00a0 In Genesis 2:9 we first read about a tree of life in the Garden of Eden, a tree whose fruit somehow enables those who ate it to live forever (Genesis 3:22).\u00a0 According to John\u2019s vision, in heaven this tree of life stands on each side of the river and bears fruit every month, 12 crops of fruit a year.\u00a0 Its leaves are \u201cfor the healing of the nations\u201d (v2). \u00a0(By the way, since there is no sickness in heaven, why is there a need for leaves that give healing?\u00a0 Is this heavenly cannabis? (I kid.) \u00a0Some commentators think that these leaves do not heal sick people per se, since there are no sick people in heaven, but rather they somehow enhance the health of believers in heaven.)\u00a0 In Genesis, when Adam and Eve sinned against God, they lost access to this tree of life.\u00a0 Now everyone in heaven can eat from the tree of life (see v14).<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:3-4 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n3\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0No 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.
\n4\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.<\/em><\/p>\n

On verses 3-4:\u00a0 The earth we live in is under the curse of sin and death, but in heaven there are no curses, only blessings.\u00a0 Also, in heaven, the throne of God and of the Lamb are not far away from us, but right there in the city where we will live (v3).\u00a0 In our world we may sometimes be tempted to ask, \u201cGod, where are you?\u201d, but you\u2019ll never ask that question in heaven.\u00a0 That\u2019s because God\u2019s throne is always in sight, and we \u201cwill see His face\u201d (v4).\u00a0 His name will be written on our foreheads \u2013 more on this when we talk about verse 5b.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:5 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n5\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0There 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\u2026
\n<\/em>
\nOn verse 5a:\u00a0 Not only is God (or more specifically God\u2019s throne) the source of living water in heaven (v1), but God is also the source of all light in heaven.\u00a0 There will never be an energy crisis in heaven, because in heaven our source of light and energy is God Himself, the ultimate renewable resource.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:5 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n5<\/sup>\u2026And they will reign for ever and ever.
\n<\/em>
\nOn verse 5b:\u00a0 Previously in verses 3-4 we learned that in heaven we will serve God the king (v3) and His name will be written on our foreheads (v4).\u00a0 Verse 5 shows us that not only will we serve God in heaven, but we will reign with God as well.\u00a0 God\u2019s name on our foreheads is not a symbol of enslavement but a symbol of the authority God has given us as His children to rule with Him in heaven.\u00a0 In heaven, you will help God rule over His creation.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:6-9 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n6\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0The 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.”
\n7\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”
\n8\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0I, 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.
\n9\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0But 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!”<\/em><\/p>\n

On verses 6-9:\u00a0 One of the big themes of Revelation 22 is that the things described in the book of Revelation are going to happen soon (\u201cmust soon take place\u201d \u2013 v6) and that Jesus is coming soon (v7).\u00a0 In fact, verse 7 is the first of three times in this chapter when Jesus says, \u201cI am coming soon\u201d.\u00a0 Because all this is happening soon, we need to carefully read, understand and obey God\u2019s Word (\u201ckeep the words of the prophecy in this book\u201d \u2013 v7).\u00a0 We must also be careful not to worship anything other than God (v8-9).<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:10-11 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n10\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.
\n11\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0Let 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.”
\n<\/em>
\nOn verses 10-11:\u00a0 What does verse 11 mean when it says \u201clet him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile\u201d.\u00a0 Is this verse condoning evil?\u00a0 No.\u00a0 I believe this verse in part is telling us that as much as we are responsible to preach and demonstrate God\u2019s Word to others, we cannot change people\u2019s hearts toward God\u2019s Word.\u00a0 So when someone you love is extremely resistant and cold toward God, don\u2019t just blame yourself.\u00a0 When someone you love is extremely passionate for God, don\u2019t take all the credit.\u00a0 \u00a0Each person is responsible for their own choices and how they respond to God.<\/p>\n

I believe verse 11, when read in the context of verse 10, is telling us that since \u201cthe time is near\u201d and Jesus is coming soon, don\u2019t be too caught up in the fact that one person is resisting God.\u00a0 As Jesus taught His disciples, when you\u2019ve tried your best to communicate God\u2019s Word to someone and they shut the door on you, there comes a time when you need to shake the dust off your feet, leaving that person in God\u2019s hands, and move onto the next person or group of people to reach out to. Make the most of the time you have left.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:12 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n12\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 12:\u00a0 Here is the second time in this chapter Jesus says He is coming soon.\u00a0 Here Jesus also affirms that He will reward His people according to what they have done. \u00a0\u00a0I believe this second sentence speaks not to our salvation but to our reward in heaven.\u00a0 In other words, there is nothing we can do to earn our way to heaven.\u00a0 We can only enter heaven through faith in what Jesus Christ has done for us.\u00a0 Still, what we do on earth matters, for when we get to heaven by His saving grace, Jesus will reward us based on what we did, how we lived and how we served Him on earth after being saved by His grace.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:13 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n13\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
\n<\/em>
\nOn verse 13:\u00a0 Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.\u00a0 In verse 13, Jesus is saying the same message three times over: \u201cit all begins with Me and ends with Me.\u201d\u00a0 Since Jesus is the first and the last, let your first thought and your last thought each day be of Jesus.\u00a0 Let the first word you speak and the last word you speak be to Jesus.\u00a0 When something dear to you begins, praise Jesus.\u00a0 When it ends, praise Jesus.\u00a0 For Jesus was there long before anything else, and He\u2019ll be there long after anything else.\u00a0 He is the Beginning and the End.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:14 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n14\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0“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.<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 14:\u00a0 Here is the final beatitude in Revelation.\u00a0 When our robes are washed in Jesus\u2019 blood, we get to eat from His tree of life and we get to clear customs and enter His city.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:15 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n15\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
\n<\/em>
\nOn verse 15:\u00a0 Once again, heaven is a place of perfect purity where no sinner can stand.\u00a0 That\u2019s why we need the blood of Jesus to wash away our sins.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:16 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n16\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 16: \u00a0Jesus is both the Root of David and the Offspring of David.\u00a0 Jesus is David\u2019s creator, the \u201cRoot of David\u201d.\u00a0 At the same time, Jesus, being born human as a descendant of David, is also the \u201cOffspring of David\u201d.\u00a0 It\u2019s right in line with what Jesus says in Luke 20:41-44: \u201c41\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0Then Jesus said to them, \u2018How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David?…\u00a044\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:17 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n17\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 17a:\u00a0 If you want to know what Jesus wants you to do, listen to what \u201cthe Spirit and the bride say\u201d.\u00a0 That is, listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying (through His Word and in your heart).\u00a0\u00a0 Also, listen to what Jesus\u2019 church (the bride) is saying (through getting good, godly advice).<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:17 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n17\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0\u2026Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.<\/em><\/p>\n

On verse 17b:\u00a0 The water of life that Jesus makes possible is free for the taking.\u00a0 All we need to do is come and drink.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:18-19 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n18\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
\n19\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.<\/em><\/p>\n

On verses 18-19:\u00a0 We must be careful not to add to Scripture things that God never said.\u00a0 We must also be careful not to take away from Scripture things that God has said.\u00a0 True humility and submission to Scripture means that we don\u2019t get to pick and choose which parts of God\u2019s Word to believe.\u00a0 Rather, true humility and submission is when we decide to believe and follow all of God\u2019s Word, whether we like it or not.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:20-21 (NIV)\u00a0<\/strong>
\n20\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
\n21\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
\n<\/em>
\nOn verses 20-21:\u00a0 When a person writes a will to leave their assets to their loved ones when they die, that will is called their last \u201ctestament\u201d.\u00a0 The New Testament is Jesus\u2019 will, telling us what assets Jesus has left behind for our benefit after His death.\u00a0 Yet unlike other wills, Jesus\u2019 last will and testament doesn\u2019t only have his death in view.\u00a0 Even more, Jesus\u2019 last will and testament has in view His return.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I am coming soon.\u201d\u00a0 Amen.\u00a0 Come, Lord Jesus.<\/p>\n

Lord Jesus, thank You for so generously preparing a place as beautiful and amazing as heaven for us, though we never deserved it, lost it and needed You to win it back for us.\u00a0 Thank You for every lesson we can learn from the book of Revelation.\u00a0 I pray that we would know how to wisely and correctly handle the book of Revelation, using its truths to build up ourselves and those around us.\u00a0 Please give us even more insight into this book and into all of Scripture.\u00a0 Thank You, Jesus, that You are coming soon.\u00a0 In Jesus\u2019 name, AMEN!<\/em><\/p>\n

This brings our look at Revelation to a close.\u00a0 What an amazing book, full of mystery and also full of powerful, life-changing truths.\u00a0 I encourage you to share what you learned with others in your small group.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hi GAMErs,<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s passage is Revelation 22:1-21.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV)\u00a0
\n1\u00a0\u00a0Then 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
\n2\u00a0\u00a0down the middle of the great street of the city\u2026<\/p>\n

On verse 1-2a:\u00a0 In Psalm 46:4 we read that \u201c[t]here is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.\u201d\u00a0 Here in Revelation 22, John gets to see that river.\u00a0 According to John\u2019s description, heaven is such a beautiful city that there is a river of living water, clear as crystal, that flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of heaven.<\/p>\n

Revelation 22:2 (NIV)\u00a0
\n2\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026On 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.<\/p>\n

On verse 2b:\u00a0 In Genesis 2:9 we first read about a tree of life in the Garden of Eden, a tree whose fruit somehow enables those who ate it to live forever (Genesis 3:22).\u00a0 According to John\u2019s vision, in heaven this tree of life stands on each side of the river and bears fruit every month, 12 crops of fruit a year.\u00a0 Its leaves are \u201cfor the healing of the nations\u201d (v2). <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9931,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gametime-sharing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9930"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9930\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9933,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9930\/revisions\/9933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ocbf.ca\/2019\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}