February 1, Revelation 22
Since we were children, we’ve heard stories that ended, “And they lived happily ever after.” As adults, we know some real life stories don’t always end that way.
Yet the greatest story of them all really does come to its conclusion with all barriers and impediments to joy removed for the characters in the final scene. The Bible is a story of redemption. It is a tapestry woven by the sovereign hand of God, using the diverse threads of human history across many centuries. Some of the characters acted in conscious bold faith, but God also used the actions of some who unwittingly accomplished his purpose when they thought they were opposing him. By the end, the redemption is complete. What sin ruined back in Eden has been restored. The horrid effects of the fall are reversed. God’s people again have access to the tree of life. The curse is removed. Separation and darkness are swallowed up in the light of God’s presence.
There is no happy ending outside the gates. The unbelievers and disobedient who refused to come are outside. If the joy inside is indescribable, so is the agony outside. Solemn affidavits of the book’s reliability and truthfulness come from the angel, from John and from Jesus himself. John was conscious of writing the final word from God for the age. The unbelieving, impenitent and disobedient who do not respond to this word will not receive another. They will not share in the joy of heaven. God’s Holy Spirit and Christ’s blessed Bride (the church) extend the offer to all who desire to take the water of life. The word of the invitation (“Come!”) is echoed back to heaven in the petition of the faithful who long for their Lord’s return.
Jesus is in every sense the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the beginner and ender. His name opens and closes the New Testament. He is the founder and perfecter of our faith. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world is triumphant, receiving at the end the grateful worship of those he redeemed.
You and I, dear reader, are invited to share the happy ending. As we come to the close of this journey that has taken us day by day through every chapter of the New Testament, I am deeply grateful to God for the privilege of writing this book, and to you for reading it. I hope some thought from it has helped you understand, and encouraged you to trust and obey him. I pray that you have been drawn closer to God and more deeply assured of his love and grace. Although I may never meet some of you in person in this world, I hope and
trust that we may meet in that worshiping throng—abiding in the presence of God forever, companions for all eternity!
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—February 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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