Revelation 22:20-21 - The Final Prayer

Remember in the opening verses of this chapter, John tells us about what he saw in heaven our eternal home. In Revelation 21, John described the beauty of heaven, but here in chapter 22 he sees and describes “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. John told us about the tree of life, and that there would be no more curse. He told that in heaven there would be no night there because the Lord God gives them light. And reminds us that we shall reign forever and ever.”  (Revelation 22:1-5) But we need to remember that heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation. Knowing that we shall dwell in the heavenly city ought to make a difference in our lives here and now. The vision of the heavenly city motivated the patriarchs as they walked with God and served Him (Heb. 11:10, 13-16). Knowing that He was returning to the Father in heaven also encouraged Jesus Christ as He faced the cross (Heb. 12:2). The assurance of heaven must not lull us into complacency or carelessness, but should motivate us to fulfill our spiritual duties. If we really believe and accept the prophesies of this great book, we should keep them. Meaning we should obey them, love them, share them and never forget them. We should be motivated to serve the Lord because He brings His reward with Him (Rev. 22:12). If we believe the Lord is coming at any time, we should keep our lives clean (1 John 2:28-3:3). And finally, we should be expecting the Lord Jesus to come back at any moment. Three times in this chapter the Lord Jesus speaks and proclaims, “I Am coming quickly”. Remember this letter that John is writing is being written specifically to the seven churches in Asia who are going through tremendous persecution. The knowledge of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His church has always been a great comfort and encouragement for the believers to persevere in the time of suffering. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-18, where Paul wrote the clearest description of the rapture of the church in the New Testament, he finished it with these words: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”  Paul said there was a special crown for those who loved and looked for the Lord’s coming. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). When the disciples of Jesus had troubled hearts at the news of His words that He was going to be crucified, and then be going away, and that they would face tribulation themselves, Jesus told them, “Let not you heart be troubled…..”. Then He went on to say, “If I go away, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3) Peter tells why the Lord has not come back yet in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” He is waiting for that one last person to repent and by faith receive Him as their Lord and Savior. This should motivate us to keep living for Jesus and sharing His message of grace with everyone we can in these last days! And we can join John in praying the last prayer of the Bible, “Even so come, Lord Jesus!” God bless!