The visions have ended and we come to the close of this book. An angel assures John that the words are "trustworthy and true". Remember that this was no mere theoretical matter. John was the victim of persecution, having been exiled to Patmos and, at least according to Tertullian, boiled in oil and miraculously survived. Moreover, the people the vision was written to were enduring persecution. Even more importantly, the many Christians who have faced persecution through the ages, who still do so today, and who will when the great tribulation begins, need to know that these are not the wild dreams of some mystic, but the true and reliable word of God.
The angle had been sent by God to show His servants what would happen soon. Now this was almost two thousand years ago, but Christians have suffered the things described in this book throughout history. In the midst of difficulties we are blessed if we hold to the words in this prophecy.
John fell down to worship at the feet of the angel, but the angel immediately rebuked him. Only the Lord is to be worshipped.
John is not to seal up the words of the prophecy, the words are for now, and have been so throughout the last two thousand years. We are in the last days. Verse 11 is not a command, ie it is not telling those who do wrong to continue doing so. Rather it is saying that these things will happen. Evil does happen in the world and will happen. But those who do right must continue to do so as well, and those who are holy, devoted to the Lord, must continue to be devoted to Him.
Jesus then speaks directly, He is the Alpha and Omega, He brings a reward. We are blessed if we trust in Him, being cleansed by His blood, we will eat of the tree of life. But those who rebel will kept outside the Holy City, they will have no part in God's kingdom.
The Spirit and the bride say come. John 15:26,27 say that the Spirit testifies and we too must testify. The Spirit and the Church call on the world to come to Christ. The message of Revelation is not just for a encouragement, but is a call to the world. And note how harsh, in many ways, the message is. The gospel message is not just nice God will bless you stuff, it is about the harsh realities of sin. But if we respond there is a free gift of the water of life.
Then we get a severe warning, we must not add or subtract from the word. The consequences of doing so are severe.
The very end of the book closes just like the letters so often do. This is not a weird book, it is a revelation of the truth to help give us the strength to live lives of service to the Lord.
The Lord is coming soon! Halleluljah.
Amen, Come Lord Jesus.
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