Good News, Bad News, Good News

Revelation 22:6-21     Joel Keller

Well, we've come to the end of the Book.  We know the end of the story ... which, really, is only the beginning.  I want to commend Bob for the great job done on leading/teaching us through the Book of Revelation.  Not all questions were answered, but we knew that would be the case.  I feel we, as a congregation, experienced communitas throughout this journey. So, here is my last stab at Revelation; certainly not a teaching - simply observations and comments.  Thanks for your part in reading or contributing to this blog.  It was fun.

If you know me, you understand that there is a melancholiac aspect to who I am.  I take warnings very seriously.  I'm a thinker.  I ponder things.  I was speaking to an intern at my work last week about this very text and this very warning.  

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.
                                                                                            Revelation 22:18,19

This chapter, for me is: good news, bad news, good news.  Jesus tells John to tell the folks, "I am coming soon."  (The study on the I AM's in the Gospel of John is enlightening.  Jesus does indeed claim to be God...several times.)  Then He gives the warning in verses 18 & 19.  Then, again He says, "Surely, I am coming soon."  My intern friend I mentioned previously, is a practicing Mormon.  The writings of Joseph Smith in Mormon teaching, I believe, have "added to" the Bible & its teachings.  We as believers, need to study the Word of God in order to discern truth.  We are bombarded on a daily basis with messages - sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant - that do not line up with Scripture.  We must begin to see life through the grid or filter of the truth in the Word of God.  We are told to be prepared to give an account for the hope that is in us.  I exhort you to know the Word.  

Paul writes to Timothy in that same vein: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  
                                                                                            II Timothy 2:15

As we enter the Christmas holiday season, I encourage you to bask in the truth and excitement of the coming King.  Remember: He is coming soon!