Hello, and welcome to the Takeaway, where we teach through the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse, to help you understand God's Word so that you can have a more intimate relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, Pastor Harry Barrens, and in today's episode, we're going to be looking at Revelation chapter 22. In this chapter, Jesus gives us his closing words to remind us not to lose sight of what really matters. This world is passing away and he is quickly coming. Our focus needs to be on eternity with him, as that is what he desires. We are only on this earth to testify of him and lead people to the truth so that his kingdom can grow. As we read this chapter, John will make it abundantly clear what our takeaway should be from this book and the importance of holding on to and living out those truths. Starting in verse 1, we read, And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the last chapter we saw that there was no more seas, which represented tribes, peoples, and nations that were divided, a place where the beast rose up from and boundaries. Now in this chapter we see a river that is as pure as crystal. Throughout Scripture, rivers represented a powerful expression of richness, provision, and peace. Isaiah 48, 18. Oh, that you had heeded my commandments, then your peace would have been like a river. Zechariah 14. And in that day it shall be that living water shall flow from Jerusalem. The picture of it being as clear as crystal speaks of the purity of God as it flows from his throne. The one who is the life giver. We all know that we need water to live, but in this world we need to pure we need to purify and clean all of our drinking water, as it is often polluted. But as we see here, nothing is polluted that flows from God, and this represents him as the ultimate life giver. There is nothing of God that needs to be purified. In verse two we read, In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations, and there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him. Back in Genesis three, twenty-two it says, Then the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become like one of us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also the tree of life, and eat and live forever, therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. The reason the world is the way it is today is because of sin that became that came from Adam and Eve's disobedience when they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But as we see here, there was also a tree that God says had they eaten of it, they would have lived forever in this sinful state. I can't say for sure what was so special about this tree, but God had apparently designed it to be an eternal life giver. I guess this was the OG superfruit. Now God didn't block them from eating it because he hated them. On the contrary, he didn't want them living forever in their sin. From God's perspective, it was better for them to die than to live forever in that state. So he cast them out and prevented them from eating from the tree. Now here in Revelation, we once again see the tree and all are free to eat of it. The difference is that there is no sin or corruption to keep us from fellowship with God. This was always his desire to have perfect fellowship with us. If this isn't showing us how awesome a father we have, then I don't know what does. His love for us prevented us from living in eternal sin, separated from his perfect love. He set out to redeem us and cast away sin while throughout all of history showing his love for us and calling all who would listen to himself. Instead of being defeated by our fall, God used it to draw us closer to him. Then through his son Jesus, he offered us eternal life and access to the tree of life, once again, as we see here. In verse 2, it also says that the leaves were for the healing of the nations, which isn't the best translation. Walvird stated, The word for healing is therapeutic, from which the English word therapeutic is derived, almost directly translated from the Greek. Rather than meaning healing, it should be understood as health giving, as the word in its root meaning has the idea of serving or ministering. This also flows better into verse three, where we see that we will be serving him. This should make it clear that eternity isn't filled with idleness. God will indeed have tasks for us, but the work will be therapeutic and not laboring. In verse four and five we read, They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there, they need no lamp, nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. Spurgeon said, This will be the greatest glory of heaven, to know God, to know Jesus more intimately and wonderfully than we ever could on earth. It is the chief blessing of heaven, the cream of heaven, the heaven of heaven, that the saints shall see their Jesus. We will be able to see God in all his glory and not drop dead from it. We won't just be in the vicinity of God, but a face-to-face relationship with him. When Jesus came into this world, he became flesh to meet us where we were, so that we could begin to interact with him again. John 1 14, and the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Philippians 2 5 to 8. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as of a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Through Jesus, God came into our world to dwell with us, but his ultimate goal was also through Jesus to get us to where he is, so that we could be fully restored in perfect relationship to him. Verses six to nine. Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true, and the Lord God of the Holy Prophet sent his angel to show his servants the things which must shortly take place. Behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. Now I, John, saw and heard these things, and when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, See that you do not do that, for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book, worship God. Now that we are coming to the end of John's letter, he is reminding us of a few truths we have learned throughout the revelation of Jesus. First, that these words are faithful and true, as they come right from Jesus Himself. Second, that these things must shortly and quickly take place. John actually started his letter off in Revelation 1.1 with things which must shortly take place. The idea here is that these are the next prophetic events to happen, and when they do, they will unfold quickly. Third, that this is a book of promise and blessing. In verse 7, he says, Blessed is he who keeps the words of this book. No other book in the Bible comes with a promise like this. Many teachers avoid teaching on revelation because they feel it's too hard to understand, or maybe they are afraid of being wrong. No matter what the reason they have for not teaching Revelation, they are missing out on one of the most beautiful blessings God has for us on this side of heaven. We aren't told what exactly it is on the surface, but I can tell you this was my biggest motivator for teaching this book. I knew my father in heaven wants to give blessings, but they require action on our part to receive. I knew whatever it would be, that it would be better than I could ever imagine or ask for, and indeed it has been. Over the past year and a half of studying and teaching through this book, I have gained a deeper understanding of God's love for all of us. I have seen into his thoughts and ways and just how beautiful they are. I have discovered mysteries that were right in front of my face all along, that I was blinded from. He has opened my eyes to see his work and my ears to hear him speak. I see him working in the lives of those around me, and I'm able to speak wisdom into their lives in powerful, loving ways. The best blessing we could ever receive on this side is to see God at work and to hear him when he calls, to know that he is there, has you in his hands, and will never let you go. All of this and more come from believing what his word says and standing on that truth alone. The best part is this blessing is for all of us. All of you, all you have to do is believe what his word says and live a life that reflects that belief. In verse 8, John reminds us that he fell at the feet of the angel that revealed these things to him. This was definitely not a boasting of what he did, but a humbling statement. John told us in chapter 19 that he did this, and now he was reminding us once again that he did it as well. John was clearly overwhelmed by the whole ordeal, which is what led him to fall at the angel's feet. But for John to tell us not once, but twice that he did this is a humbling thing. This is not the words of a man making up a story and trying to get attention for himself. To write something like this helps to validate the revelation given to John. It took everything in him to comprehend what he was seeing, and he reminds us of that here when he fell at the angel's feet. Verses 10 to 11. And he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still. This is the first time in all the Bible that our Lord says to not seal up the prophecy. This is an indicator that it was time to start revealing because the time was at hand. Daniel had one of the clearest visions of the end time of any prophet, and God told him to seal it up until the appropriate time. Daniel 8, 26. And the vision of the evenings and the mornings, which was told, is true. Therefore, seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future. As a reminder, prophecy is one of the greatest authenticators of God's word. God gave us specific details thousands of years ago, so that when it was revealed, we would know the truth and believe it. Jesus said to John, not to seal up this prophecy. This indicates to us that these things are at hand and nothing else needs to take place for these events to begin. In fact, the first three chapters dealing with the church have and are playing out to this day. We have been in a period of grace for almost 2,000 years, and when it ends, the events starting in chapter 4 will begin. Jesus was indicating to John and to us that we have been in the last days since the cross, and that these prophecies are imminent. It's only by the grace of God that we haven't seen this judgment yet. First, Matthew 24, 36. For that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. This is a very important truth we all need to know and realize that you and I are not able to know the day and hour. However, we can know the season. Second, Mark 13, 5. And Jesus, answering them, began to say, Take heed that no one deceives you, for many will come in my name, saying, I am He, and you and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars, rumors of wars, do not be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. We might not know the day or the hour, but we can definitely know the season. Third, Revelation 3 10, because you have kept my commandment to preserve, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. We can be assured that if we keep our Lord's commands, that he will keep us from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world. Fourth, first Thessalonians 5, 9 to 10. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live with him. We are not destined for God's wrath. And the tribulation period is definitely God's wrath being poured out on this world. Revelation 6, 16 to 17. Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Fifth, Revelation 22, 4 to 5. They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there. They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, that they shall reign forever and ever. In the end, regardless of what happens, we will be with him for eternity. There will be no more suffering, and not even a remembrance of any that we might have had in this world. We may be living in a time when prophecy is being played out right in front of our eyes, but we should not worry about it. Instead rejoice that our Lord's return is coming quickly, and that he gave us the words for encouragement, so that we would endure to the end. Matthew 24, 13 to 14. But he who endures to the end shall be saved, and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Moving on to verse twelve. And behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me to give to everyone according to his work. We already know that when Jesus comes, it will be quick and as a thief to those who aren't ready. But to those who are looking and ready, we will know and not be caught off guard. In verse 12, Jesus says his reward is with him, to give to everyone according to their work. This is not a statement of how we earn salvation. Instead, it is an indicator that we will be rewarded based on what we did with the gift. Each and every one of us have accepted Jesus, are filled with his spirit. We have the option to allow the spirit to work in us, or we can quench the spirit. First Thessalonians 5 16 to 22. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the spirit, do not despise prophecies, test all things, hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil. And Matthew 25, 14 to 29. The parable of the talents teaches us this very thing as well. We are all given different gifts by the Spirit to be used for God's glory and kingdom. When he comes, we will be judged on the basis of what we do with these gifts. Revelation opened up with warnings and promises to the churches to hold fast and continue in good works. It's by these works that we are rewarded with crowns, garments, and positions in God's kingdom. The question is, what are you doing with your gift? Are you storing up for yourself treasures in heaven? Matthew 6 19. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Moving on to verses thirteen to sixteen. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers, and sexual immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices lie, I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. As a reminder, this chapter is a quick recap of the whole book of Revelation, and John is wrapping this up for us with the main takeaways he wants us to grasp. Verse 13 is a recap of what we were told from chapter one, that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He is telling us that he is indeed God and confirming his deity. In verse 14, we see the tree of life once again that we saw in verse 2. But again, this is just a reminder that John wants us to remember that our reward is eternal life if we stay in the commandments that the Lord has given us. Verse 15 is also a reminder, not that evil people will be outside the gates of the New Jerusalem, but that they have no place in it for rejecting Jesus as their Savior. We won't be able to see them or hear them. This is a reminder that there is no second chance for them, and the promise to them is that they will never enter the gates. In verse 16, Jesus confirms that he is the promise that the prophets spoke of that would come from the genealogy of King David. Isaiah 9, 6 to 7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Matthew 1 1, the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. Jeremiah 23:5. Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will raise to David a branch of righteousness. A king shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In verse 17 we read, And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him who hears say, Come, and let him who thirsts, come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. This verse is a beautiful picture of two things. One, that the church is indeed the bride of Christ, and two, that the church, the bride, filled with the Holy Spirit, are the ones that say, Come. We are the ones that Jesus says should be inviting people to the wedding feast. We are the ones sent out into all the world to invite everyone into this great promise. This is not for us to be selfish and keep for ourselves as if we will get less by having more people there. On the contrary, we will have more for everyone we invite and who accepts that invitation. Matthew 22, eight. Then he said to his servants, The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. This is our job while we are on this earth, and many believers are falling way short of this commandment. Many have never even invited one other person. This is what you call a bad investment of the spiritual gift you have been given. We are not responsible for someone else's decision, but we are responsible to give them one to make. Now, finishing up in verses eighteen to twenty one, we read For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book if any one adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are Written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the book of life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now John ends this book with a strong warning to false teachers or anyone who attempts to change the words of this book. They will take part in God's wrath. They will not receive salvation, and they will never enter into the holy city He has prepared for us. I believe wholeheartedly that this is one of the biggest reasons many preachers never teach from this book. They fear being wrong and entering into God's wrath. But here is my encouragement. If you are a teacher of the Word of God and you are indeed saved, then you are filled with the Holy Spirit who will lead you into all truth. John 16, 13. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. To the teachers out there listening to this, do you believe this? Because if you know you are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, then he will guide you into all truth. Don't fear being wrong, because he will reveal. If you have some doubts, then your doubts are with your salvation and whether or not you really do have the Spirit of God in you. My friend, I can tell you this. If you keep Jesus first and keep it about him, you will be fine. Even if you do manage to get a detail wrong about an event or a symbol, it won't matter as long as it glorifies Jesus and points to him and his coming kingdom. This is why I always say there are things we can know, things we can't, and things we kind of know. We can't know everything, nor do we need to. We only need to know Jesus and Him crucified. First Corinthians 2, 1 to 5. And I, brethren, when I come to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, declaring you the testimony of God, for I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling, and my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. If Paul the Apostle says it, then you can rely on it. Stick to Jesus and you will never go wrong. Paul abandoned relying on knowing the details and instead trusted on only knowing Jesus and him crucified. It's only in that truth that the power of God is manifested. Nothing else matters once we realize that truth. Paul clearly understood that and did everything he could so that we would as well. Philippians 3, 7 to 14. But whatever were gains to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Let's pray. Father, thank you for your word and revelation. What an amazing journey this has been as we have studied through your word. I pray that just as I have been blessed from this study, that our listeners have as well, I pray that their eyes and ears have been opened and that they now see you and hear you in ways they could have never imagined before. Father, please be with us and allow us to take what we have learned so that we can prep pass these blessings on to others in our journey. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. I want to thank you for joining us today, and I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and you have a better understanding for just how much God loves you and wants you to know Him. Now that we have come to the end of our study in Revelation, we will only have one more episode for this season. In our next episode, we will be doing a recap of the entire book with a quick summary of each chapter. My desire is to leave you with a resource that will make it easy for you to go back and read the book without getting lost. This will be a quick and to the point episode, and you will definitely want to take notes. It would even be a good idea to add a short sentence to each chapter in your Bible so that whenever you read it, you will know what to look for. Now, before we go, I want to encourage you to visit us at thetaway.faith. And on our website, you can find out more about who we are and sign up to receive emails to get notifications on new episodes and ministry updates. This also makes it easy to share our podcast and allows you to use it as a resource to help others. On our site, you can easily send us a message, a word of encouragement, questions, or comments. We would love to hear from you and encourage you to send us a message soon. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the takeaway.