We begin this passage with the marriage feast of the Lamb. Blessed are those who are invited to this feast. The guests will be those who have believed in Jesus and are covered by His sacrifice. They are both guests as individuals and the bride in the community of the church.
The bridegroom is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We see the destruction of the enemies of Christ. And then we see a new heaven and a new earth - a New Jerusalem, The Holy City. The river of life flows down the middle of the main street of this city and on each side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing fruit in each season and leaves for the healing of the nations.
After these pictures, John writes an epilogue which roughly approximates the seal of a notary public. He writes down what the angel said to him. He verifies that He heard and saw these things in his vision.
Then we have the words of Jesus saying the He sent the angel to give this testimony. And He reiterates the list of those who will not - NOT - be included among those who can enter the Holy City: those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and those who love and practice lies.
After reading these things, one can only say "Hallelujah!"
Father, God,
Thank You for the testimony of Your faithful servants. Thank You for the Word You have given us in the form of these scriptures. Thank You for Your graciousness in letting us learn of You and serve You. Grant that we may be faithful for all our days and even into eternity.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
2 comments:
On this last day of the year I wanted to say Thank You for perservering and for sharing your insight with us. This blog has been a blessing to me, and I suspect many others, everyday of the past year.
Thank you for your kind words, dear friend.
Of all the people who might have read this blog (all ten of them), you have known me longest and best. I treasure that friendship and wish you all good things for the coming year.
Grace, peace and blessings.
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