Revelation 22:16-17
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:16-17 (NIV)
Have you ever listened to a song, watched a movie, or read a book where the big event or most exciting part happens right at the end? I would hope that everything you experienced up to that point would lead to that grand moment. This is what is called a finale, the final piece of medium where something is particularly exciting. After all, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to have the biggest moment at the start or the middle, only to have to slog through the rest.
Our reading this morning comes from the last chapter of the last book of the bible. If there was ever a time for a finale, this is it. So, what is the message that closes out the most popular book of all of human history? Well, I admit, this passage is a bit arcane. Let me rephrase it:
“Jesus, Lord of all creation, God’s own Son, does hereby give this message to all would listen- through the Holy Spirit and the church on earth, Welcome! Come one and all to the life and love of God. And not just you, tell your friends! Tell your family! Tell your enemies! All are welcome to the free gift of eternal life.”
It has all been leading up to this. Every verse of every chapter of every book of the bible has been leading to this grand finale. God has always been trying to get closer to humans. First through the Laws, then through the Prophets, then through Jesus, and now in our time through the Holy Spirit and the church. God is inviting us and all of creation to more fully participate in a relationship with God. It is in this relationship that we will learn, struggle, and grow in our faith, and become more complete as individuals and as a community. And then, as we celebrate this life of faith, we invite others, so that they too can experience the joy of God.
Dear friends in Christ, God loves you. God loves you so much, and that changes everything. Because of Whom Jesus is, we are all welcomed into the ministry. God loves us, and that love changes us for the better. As we come to know God, we will see ways in which we can use our God-given talents and abilities in a world that needs them. God has invited us into this new life, and invites us to invite others so that all might join in the life-giving relationship with the One who loved us first. Dear friends, may you love God, and love others, just as God has loved you. Come all who are thirsty, the free gift of the waters of life is yours.
Questions for Reflection:
- Who first invited you to come to church? What made you want to come back?
- What would it mean for you to invite someone to share in your faith?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for today. Please walk with us this day through all of life’s troubles. Help us to see you at work in our lives, and in the lives of others. God, please help me to use the gifts and talents that You have given me this day, that I may honor You in all that I say and do. May Your Spirit speak through me so that everyone that I encounter deepen their relationship with You.
Amen.
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