Friday, December 29
An invitation and a prayer
Scripture: Revelation 22
Revelation 22:20–21 The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
Observation
Revelation 22 continues John’s vision of heaven in v. 1-5, and references the water of life and the tree of life—taking us back to the garden of Eden and God’s intention of eternal life for us.
Among John’s final words are the invitation, “Come!” given by the Spirit, the bride and then those who hear. “Come and take the water of life free of charge!” It’s the invitation given to us and then given by us to others.
Revelation (and the Bible) ends with the Lord’s reminder that He is coming soon, and a prayer, “Come Lord Jesus!” Then this concluding prayer: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.” The Bible ends with a prayer for grace for all. That will be my prayer today.
Application
I’m so grateful for the gift of eternal life—life to the full now and forever!
I’ve answered the invitation to come to Jesus and drink the water of life, and I’m going to extend that invitation to as many as I can. Come! (This week has been a quiet week at home—a wonderful respite. But I also feel a restlessness that comes from wanting to be useful to God. So many people need Jesus. I want to get back in the stream of humanity and issue the invitation, “Come! Come to Jesus and drink freely of the water of life!”)
I’m grateful for the grace of Jesus. Laina and I are listening to the updated version of Philip Yancey’s wonderful book, What’s so Amazing about Grace? Highly recommended! I’ll be praying this prayer over everyone I’m with today.
Prayer: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.
More: Zechariah 13-14, Proverbs 30, John 19