Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 (NRSV)
Read Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 12"See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. Verse 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Verse 14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Verse 16"It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." Verse 17The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.
Verse 20The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Verse 21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
Devotion
Revelation was a timely book, written for the church in its struggling infancy. The pressures of persecution were intense. Not everyone kept the faith, but many did, and to them we are indebted. It is because they were faithful that we have faith today.
The believer’s faith was sustained because the Lord had promised both to be with them and that he would return to rescue them. “I am coming soon; my reward is with me.” Their robes were washed in the blood of the Lamb. Then the tree of life would be restored to God’s people. He reassured them, “I am coming soon.”
Despite the ease and luxury that characterizes our age, we do not live beyond the need for the “grace of the Lord Jesus” to be with us. We trust the Lord to sustain us in faith until we see him face to face.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, prepare us to receive your coming with joy. Amen.