Overview by Charlene Armstrong
Lesson Text: Revelations 22
The title of this week’s lesson is “The Alpha and Omega” from Revelation 22. The theme for verses 6-11 is; “The Time is Near,” citing the return of Christ, who is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22 is the concluding chapter of the book of Revelation, and it serves as the closing act, the grand finale, for not only this book of prophecies but also for the Bible. We have a glimpse of the eternal joy and peace awaiting believers. We wait with great expectation on the return of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
The chapter is a continuation of chapter 21, where John sees a new Jerusalem descend from heaven and God will dwell with His people. The scriptures build on this imagery, further describing the paradise-like conditions within this eternal city. An angel assures John that everything he has seen and heard is trustworthy and true, and reassures him that these revelations must soon take place. Jesus speaks to John and promises to return, saying; “Behold, I come quickly”.
There is great emphasis on the manifestation of God’s redemptive plan, to reconcile man back to Himself. We see Jesus’ final words, urging believers to be ready for His imminent return. The repeated declaration, “I am coming soon,” serves as both a promise and also as a warning, to encourage and give hope to believers to remain faithful and obedient until His return. There is a reward granted unto those that come, for they shall drink freely of the Water of Life. (*Isaiah 55:1a: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” ).
Related Scriptures by Doug Smith
Related scriptures: John.7:37-39; Revelation:1:4-11; 21:9-22:5
In this brief text of John 7:37-39, we see the second segment of Jesus’ teachings in this chapter, which occurs on “ the last day of the festival, the great day” ( vs.37). On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the Lord. This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; only the comforting and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit. Jesus invites the thirsty to believe and receive.
In these passages, Revelation 1:4-11, Jesus tells John to write to the seven churches who knew and trusted him and who had read his earlier letters. Jesus was the first(” First begotten”) who rose from the dead to die no more (5 ). Jesus is portrayed as an all powerful king, victorious in battle and glorious in peace(7) John is announcing the return of Jesus to earth, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Jesus is the eternal Lord and ruler of the past, present and the future.
In this last portion of scriptures, Revelation 21:9-22-22:5, portrays the nature of the New Jerusalem. An angel will show John the city in greater detail. John is impressed about the glory of the city, the beauty of the structure adorned with pure gold and precious stones. There is a tree of life as noted in the beginning in Genesis 3:22. In Revelation 22, the first verses describe; the river of living water, the broad street of the city, the tree of life, and the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Practical Points by Deborah Hillman
If we desire God’s blessings, we must scrupulously heed His Word (Rev. 22: 6-7)
In relation to God’s Word, if we want His blessings we must obey His statues and commandments. We take into consideration that as humans, we are born in sin and iniquity and following His Word daily must become part of our daily lives, with a strong commitment to a total life change. We are to remember that God’s Word in its entirety is trustworthy, tried and true. “ Your word, LORD, is eternal: it stands firm in the heavens “(Psalms 119:89). “ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”.( Matthew 24:35).
We must be on guard against any distortion of God’s Word (Rev. 22: 18-19)
As disciples of God’s word, we know God takes His word very seriously and holds accountable those who try to distort or change His meaning. One who attempts to change or distort the meaning of scripture, for a personal gain, theological argument, or position is crossing a dangerous line. False teachers will twist the word of God. We, as students of the Word, are responsible to know God’s word in order to not be misled or confused. We desire to continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus.
