John continues, in this final chapter of the Bible, to record the things he saw during his revelation. He speaks of the perfection of the new creation which is so uplifting after all the judgement and destruction that we’ve been digging though in these past few weeks. There are references to the number 12 which in Hebrew culture represents perfect government and divine order. There are the 2 Trees of Life each bearing 12 crops each through 12 months of the year. These speak of perfect provision for all and perfect order. It affirms that God’s goodness and perfection will be in and through all things. It’s a promise that we can all stand on knowing that He is always true to His word. So, no detail will be missed, no promise will be left unkept, no hint of imperfection will exist. There will be no sickness, no disease, no tears or sadness all things will be made new just as they were in the beginning and should be forever.

‘Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.’ (v.12-13)

The big question for all of us is, ‘Are we ready?’ If Jesus came back in the next couple of minutes would any of us be ready for Him. Would our names be found in the Book of Life? Whilst it would be really easy to focus on the negatives here the single most important thing any of us can do is to examine ourselves and confess our sin so that we can seek and receive the forgiveness won for us by Jesus on the cross. Then when have done that in humility we must believe we have received salvation.

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Question:

Is there anything in your life, past or present that you need to repent of? Take a few moments to seek God in the Holy Spirit and ask Him to show you where your trespasses and shortcomings lie. Lay them out before Him and ask him to wash them away so that you can be restored. And then believe Him.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit would you show me the things in me that need to be redeemed. Show me my sin. Show me sinfulness. Fill me with a desire to keep nothing hidden but to bring all things into God’s magnificent light. Then I ask that I might be cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and that my name might be placed in the Book of Life. Amen.