Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth.
As we read to the very end of Revelation, we hear more promises and warnings. We hear Jesus say, “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (22:12-13)
From creation to new creation, Jesus is present with God, the Word made flesh. Craig Koester reminds us that “Revelation’s emphasis on God and Christ as the End of all things (Rev 1:8, 17; 21:6; 22:13) helps readers understand what it means when it says, ‘Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book (22:7; compare 22:10, 18, 19) . . . Throughout Revelation prophecy is known by what it does: true prophecy moves people to serve God and false prophecy draws people away from God.”
That is worth a pause. The warnings that dot the book of Revelation all the way to the end are about reading and interpreting its words in a way that serves and gives honor to God and are not about what serves one’s own interests or draws others away from God. This is tricky business. I’m sure that some who have used Revelation to their own benefit thought they were in sync with the Spirit and speaking the truth, but they were wrong. I’m reminded of Martin Luther’s warning about the reading of Scripture when he says, “The Holy Scriptures require a humble reader who shows reverence and fear toward the Word of God, and constantly says, ‘Teach me, teach me, teach me…. The Spirit resists the proud.’” (Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, vol.54, 379; Table Talk, 5017).
And then we hear another promise: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.” (22:17)
This invitation parallels the words of the prophet Isaiah speaking to the people of Israel as they were about to end their time of exile in Babylonia and return home: “Hear, everyone who thirsts; come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55:1)
The river of the water of life is flowing, and it is free! You are invited to wade in it, lap it up, and swim in its healing current. And then, invite others to come drink and splash in the fount of grace: “Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”
Living water, never ending, quench the thirst and flood the soul.
Well-spring, source of life eternal, drench our dryness, make us whole. Amen.
(Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993, ELW 454)