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Bible passages:
Revelation 22:7-21
‘Come, O Lord’ (Greek Word ‘Maranatha’) was a frequent early prayer of the Church (e.g. 1 Cor 16:22). The believers in that time, had an EXPECTATION of the Lord Jesus imminent return, and also an ANTICIPATION of the Lord’s return.
Do you share those sentiments?
The passage before us is framed by three expressions of the Lord’s coming ‘soon’. (v7, v12, v20)
What do you understand by the word, ’soon’? How do you think the Lord expects us to understand that word?
Practically every generation of Christians, and particularly where there has been exceptional persecution of the Church or suffering in the world, has believed that the Lord would return during their lifetime. Many have made predictions of the exact time of Jesus’ return and been disappointed.
Do you think this is a wise thing to do?(cf Matthew 24:36 & 42)
Yet the scriptures bid us keep watch and be prepared for the Lord’s return
(Matthew 24:42-44). What do you think the difference is between predicting when Jesus will return and making ready for it?
(Read Revelation 22:7-11)
After the vision in Heaven that has dominated the book since chapter 4, now at the close of the book, we see this all linked back to life on Earth. How would these verses help suffering Christians to persevere and not lose faith?
(Read Revelation 22:12-16)
Suddenly, we have the words of Jesus himself, and no longer just the words of the angel.
What do you think Jesus ‘reward’ is who will come with him when he returns?
(cf 1 Thess 4:14-18) How does this prospect make you feel?
Look at the different titles used of Jesus in these few verses:
Alpha and Omega
First and the Last
Beginning and the End
Are these saying exactly the same thing? What do they mean for you?
Could they mean that Jesus is at the start and will be at the end of life?
Could they mean that Jesus is the most important from start to finish?
Could they mean that Jesus is the source and the fulfilment of life?
The root and the offspring of David
Jesus was the source of David’s line and yet also was born of David’s line. What does this tell us about the majesty and the humility of Jesus?
The bright Morning Star.
The morning star is a phrase used to describe what in fact is not a star. It is used to identify Venus, which is often seen brightly in the Eastern sky just before dawn.
But it is clear that Revelation sees Jesus as the fulfilment of revelation of who God is. A star guided the wisemen to where Jesus had been born. Jesus is described as the One who radiates glory and light.(cf Hebrews 1:3)
(Read Revelation 22:17-21)
The response that the entire book of Revelation is intended to provoke from us is, ’Come, Lord Jesus’
Is that your response? If so how would you characterize the mood of that cry? (e.g. joyful, sad, hopeful, desparate)
Why is it significant that the book ends with another evangelistic appeal (v17) and a word of warning (v18-19)?
How soon is soon? We do not know, but we need to help others and be sure that we ourselves, are able to say,
‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’
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