You Can’t Be On the Fence - Revelation – A Study of Last Things

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Read Revelation 22:8-13 (ESV)

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Reflect

According to this passage, what is a proper response to the book of Revelation?

The past few weeks, we have looked closely at many passages in the final book of the Bible—Revelation. The primary message is that Jesus is returning. And soon! So now what? Do we just say, “Hmm...that’s interesting” and continue to live our lives like nothing has changed? Do we just choose not to think about it because thinking about it would either scare us or require something from us? Or, do we allow these words to spur us on and motivate us? What should be our response to the book of Revelation?

In today’s passage, we see that John’s response to the amazing things that he had just seen was to fall down and worship. Unfortunately, he fell down to worship at the feet of the angel, instead of directing his worship to the only One deserving, God. The angel quickly and sternly corrected him. He reminded John that angels are also created beings. They are fellow servants of God. Our response to the revelations in this book should be to worship! But we need to be careful not to become so enthralled by the fantastic and marvelous visions that we misplace our worship. We shouldn’t worship the messengers and we shouldn’t worship the visions or created things themselves. God alone is deserving of our worship. And knowing what we know now about His Kingdom should cause us to fall down at His feet and marvel.

The angel also gave another command. He said not to seal up this prophecy. In other words, don’t keep what you have just seen to yourself. Share it. Because we know that Jesus is returning soon, we should be preaching these words far and wide. Everyone needs to hear this prophecy! Why? Because everyone has a decision to make.

Which brings me to our next response to Revelation—making a decision. The prophecies contained in this book make it overwhelmingly clear that a decision for or against Christ must be made. There are no provisions for those in a “gray area.” Jesus said that if we aren’t for Him, we are against Him (Matthew 12:30). You can’t be a neutral party when it comes to this supernatural battle. You are either on Jesus’ side or you lose.

Then, Jesus repeated that He is coming soon and is bringing His “recompense” with Him. That means that He is bringing rewards with Him to give to those according to their faithfulness. Believers will receive different eternal rewards in heaven based on their works on earth. Knowing that, our response should be diligently serving God. When He returns, we do not want to be found idle.

Friends, after everything we’ve learned about the future and eternity from the Book of Revelation, what else could we do except worship? These words should encourage our hearts—sin and death will be no more! Eternal life in the presence of His glorious light and in magnificent beauty awaits us. Those of us who are in Christ, have nothing to fear! Instead, we should be longing and yearning for the day of His return and faithfully serving Him while we wait. And the fact that a decision must be made cannot be overlooked. If you have accepted Christ’s offer of salvation, your heart should be burdened with sharing this Good News with those who have not.

If you haven’t accepted Christ’s offer of salvation, I sincerely encourage you to do so today. Don’t wait. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grand him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).

Pray

Lord, the prophecy of this book is amazing. I am in awe of who You are and what You’ve done for me. Give me the words to share this with others and open the hearts of those around me to hear Your message. I want to be Your faithful servant, all of my days. Amen.

~ Pastor Nat Crawford