Revelation: Between Heartbeats

Revelation 22:6-21

Over the years, I have had the privilege of traveling to many countries around the world. Some trips have been to encourage global workers, others to teach pastors, and some to lead Bible Immersion trips with Living Grounded Ministries. I love going on these trips! They are stretching, encouraging, and a lot of fun. But you know what the best part of every trip is? Coming home. For me, that’s usually flying into New York City and then taking a smaller plane to Pittsburgh, PA. When I am with my family in my own house, I know I am home where I belong.  

Our study of Revelation has reminded us that this life is an earthly journey marked by great joys and challenges, pleasant stretches and steep, treacherous inclines. Yet deep within us, we know there is something more—something fuller, richer, and more satisfying. In his book The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis wrote, “There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven, but more often I find myself wondering whether in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else.”[1]

Revelation has taken us from seven historical churches on earth to the Church gathered forever in heaven. As we consider the final verses, I want to make six observations that summarize this prophetic book.

1. Worship God! 

The Revelation is Jesus' message about himself. Our Lord conveyed it to an angel, who then relayed it to the apostle John. The apostle testifies, “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things” (Rev. 22:8a). The vision he heard and saw from the angel was so marvelous that it was beyond words, and he “fell down to worship at the feet of the angel” who had shared the revelation (Rev. 22:8b). But the angel adamantly said, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you... Worship God” (Rev. 22:8-9).

In our humanness, we will be drawn to inspiring people, beautiful visions, and the power of position and money. This was the second time John tried to worship the angel (Rev. 19:10). We are tempted to bow before what impresses us. Hear the angel’s words to John. “You must not do that!... Worship God.”

2. Focus on Jesus!

In our study, we have seen the brilliant vision of Jesus at the beginning of the book (Rev. 1:9-20), and upon his return to earth, he rides a white horse as the faithful, true, and righteous conqueror (Rev. 19:11-21). Jesus is the focal point of all history. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 22:13). He is the fulfillment of all prophecies (Isa. 11:1-10). Jesus says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star” (Rev. 22:16b). He is the brightest star, shattering the darkness of our sinful hearts. 

We are “prone to wander” and easily distracted. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). When we keep Jesus as the focal Person of our lives, we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3 NIV).

3. Anchor in the truth!

Jesus reminded John that the message of Revelation is “trustworthy and true” (Rev. 22:6). That’s why Jesus gives this warning: 

Revelation 22:18-19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 

The living word of God is not to be altered. The great invitation of salvation must be freely offered by believers[2] through the Holy Spirit, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Rev. 22:17). Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

The Revelation makes it clear that the acceptance of this gift—the gospel—is a matter of heaven or hell. Those who trust in Jesus are in heaven for eternity. Those who reject Jesus are left outside (Rev. 22:14-15). Those who know Jesus will be rewarded (2 Cor. 5:10). Those who reject Jesus will be separated from his presence forever (Rev. 22:12).

4. Live expectantly! 

As the Revelation ends, Jesus reminds us four times (!) that the end of this world, as we know it, is right around the corner. 

Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon…” (Rev. 22:7). He tells John not to seal up the words of this prophecy because “the time is near” (Rev. 22:10). Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). The last recorded words of Jesus are, “Surely, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:20). To which John replies, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

I don’t know when Jesus will return, but I do know it’s closer today than yesterday. And every generation must live with expectation, as if it were the generation of Christ’s return.

Lori and I recently watched a historical drama called Wolf Hall, set during the reign of Henry VIII. Henry was known for getting rid of his wives. A popular lyric of the day went like this: “Six wives Henry wedded: two died, two divorced, two beheaded.” One of the ones who lost her head was his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

Beheading was a brutal form of execution, usually by an axe that did not always deliver a quick death. Mercifully, Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife, was granted a skilled French swordsman to carry out her execution. In the historical series, the executioner is asked whether he could do the job in one stroke. He replies, “She will die between heartbeats.”  

For all of us, eternity will come between heartbeats. For those who know Jesus, whether we are changed “in a flash, in the twinkling of the eye” (1 Cor. 15:52) or whether death ushers us into his presence (2 Cor. 5:8), eternity will come between heartbeats. And it will happen soon. 

Jesus proclaims, “Surely, I am coming soon.”
And we proclaim, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 22:7-21. Jesus is coming soon!

Talking to God: In what ways do distractions pull your attention away from Jesus, and what helps you refocus on him?

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