65 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1)

A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal

I believe this river of life is a reference to the Holy Spirit

Lord Jesus spoke about this river of life

¹⁰Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."¹¹The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where, then, do You get that living water?¹²"Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?"¹³Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,¹⁴"but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."(John 4:10-14)

Notice that this river was proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Lord Jesus Christ). Because it comes from God, it cannot be anything other than pure and abundant.

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 (Revelation 22:2)

The tree of life:

The Bible begins with a tree of life (Genesis 3:22-24), which man was not allowed to eat from after the sin at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now, we see the tree of life again.

each tree yielding its fruit every month

Some people wonder if we will eat in heaven. In His resurrection body, Lord Jesus enjoyed food (Read Luke 24:41-43, John 21:12-14). Angels ate with Abraham (Read Genesis 18:6-8).The great heavenly reunion between Lord Jesus and His people is described as a marriage supper (Read Revelation 19:9).

When Adam and Eve sinned by partaking of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17), God drove them out of the Garden of Eden.He then stationed an angel before its entrance in order to keep them from eating the fruit of the Tree of Life, lest they eat and live eternally in their sinful state.

Man fell by what he ate, and I believe man will stand by what he will eat. Yes, I believe that, according to scripture, God will still allow us to eat in heaven.

³And 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.⁴They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.⁵There 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. (Revelation 22:3-5)

His servants shall serve Him

Many people have a wrong impression of heaven. They think it will just be a place of leisure, like a beach resort or something. The Bible clearly tells us that ‘His servants shall serve Him.’ However, this service will not be toil-stained. There will be no stress or struggle that we face here. It will be a joy and a pleasure to serve the Lord.

The curse, which originated in the Garden of Eden and was partially removed during the Millennium, is now obliterated forever.

⁶Then he said to me,“These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.⁷“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:6-7)

Two Characteristics of God’s Word:

Faithful
True

Prayer for Today: Father, as Your words are faithful and true, cause my words also to be faithful and true in Jesus' name. (Revelation 22:6)

Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book

The Blessing is in the doing. The blessing is in applying the principles of the Word to our daily lives.

⁸Now 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.⁹Then 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." (Revelation 22:8-9)

As before in Revelation 19:10, John was overwhelmed and bowed before an angel in worship. In the same way, the angel reminded John that only God is to be worshipped and that they were both ‘fellow servants’ along with all who keep the words of this book.

The Truth is no created being should ever be worshipped. Besides the Father, Lord Jesus alone receives the worship of angels (Hebrews 1:6) and of men (Matthew 8:2, 14:33, John 9:38). The Bible says even the Holy Spirit is to be worshipped (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) - no one else.

See that you do not do that:

It is ironic that even an anointed Apostle like John needed correction tells us something that we all need correction at one time or another from going astray. No one is infallible. Only God and His word are infallible. Anyone claiming to be infallible is a liar and a deceiver.

¹⁰And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. (Revelation 22:10)

In the Old Testament, Daniel was asked to seal the prophecy as it was pertaining to the times in the future. However, God has commanded that this prophecy of Revelation is not to be sealed. But still, some do in defiance of God's command.

¹¹"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." (Revelation 22:11)

This simply means that the coming of Lord Jesus will be so suddenly that there won't be time for change." There will be no time for last-minute repentance, but there is time now. If what you have read in Revelation hasn't changed you, there isn't much hope! Some waiting to repent at the eleventh hour often die at the tenth without warning.

¹²"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.¹³"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." (Revelation 22:12-13)

If Jesus will give to everyone according to his work, does that mean we are saved by our works? No, but it does show that living faith will produce living works, whereas a dead faith will produce dead works. (James 2:20, Titus 3:8).

¹⁴Blessed 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.¹⁵But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14-15)

Blessed are those who do His commandments

The blessing is in doing His commandments. Lord Jesus emphasised the importance of keeping His commandments as an expression of love for Him: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

But outside are dogs

Why does it say that all dogs will be outside? Does heaven not like dogs? Is it wrong to keep a pet dog? No, this is not what scripture means. The term "dogs" was often used in biblical times to describe those considered impure or morally unclean (Philippians 3:2). "Sorcerers" refers to those who practice witchcraft or occult arts, condemned in Scripture for their association with idolatry and deception.

and whoever loves and practices a lie

Those who embrace and perpetuate falsehoods are excluded from the holy city. It reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of truth (Titus 1:2), and His kingdom is founded on truth.

"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." (Revelation 22:16)

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches":

Lord Jesus emphasises His direct involvement in delivering the message of Revelation. By sending His angel to testify, He underscores the divine authority and authenticity of the revelation.

"In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

"I am the Root and the Offspring of David":

As the root, He is David's Lord-the preexistent God. Psalm 110:1 reveals David calling the Messiah his Lord: "The Lord says to my lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'" This verse points to the Messiah’s divine nature and preexistence.

As his offspring, He is David's son, the incarnate Christ. In Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus Himself uses Psalm 110:1 to question the Pharisees about the Messiah's identity, illustrating that the Messiah is both David’s Lord and his descendant.

"The Bright and Morning Star":

The title “Bright and Morning Star” signifies Jesus’ role as the harbinger of a new era, bringing hope, light, and a new dawn. In ancient times, the morning star (usually Venus) heralded the coming of the day. Likewise, Jesus heralds the coming of God’s Kingdom.

2 Peter 1:19 refers to Lord Jesus as the day star: "And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

In Numbers 24:17, Balaam’s prophecy mentions, "A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel." This is often seen as a messianic prophecy, indicating the coming of a ruler who will shine like a star.

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. (Revelation 22:17)

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

Is this an invitation to Jesus, asking Him to return? Or is it an invitation to those with a spiritual thirst to come to Jesus? Either sense is certainly true.

1.Invitation to Jesus:

One interpretation is that the Holy Spirit and the bride (the Church) are calling for Jesus to return. This aligns with the theme of eager anticipation of Christ’s second coming found throughout the New Testament. The Church, filled with the Spirit, yearns for the fulfilment of God’s promises and the final establishment of His kingdom.

Revelation 22:20 reinforces this interpretation: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Here, the call for Jesus’ return is explicit, demonstrating the Church’s deep desire for His second coming.

2.Invitation to Those with Spiritual Thirst:

The other interpretation is that this call is directed towards individuals who are spiritually thirsty, inviting them to come to Jesus for salvation and eternal life.

Isaiah 55:1 echoes this invitation: "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Jesus Himself extends this invitation in John 7:37: "If anyone thirsts,let him come to Me and drink."

"And let him who hears say, 'Come!'":

1.Hearing the Call:

The phrase "let him who hears" underscores the necessity of hearing the gospel message. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Only those who hear the message of Christ can respond to it.

In Romans 10:14, Paul asks, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" This emphasises the importance of proclaiming the gospel so that others can hear and respond.

2.Feeling the Thirst:

Spiritual thirst represents a deep inner longing for God and His righteousness. This thirst can only be quenched by

Jesus, the living water. Recognising one’s spiritual thirst is essential for coming to Jesus.

Lord Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:13-14, saying, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst." This invitation highlights the fulfilment found in Christ alone.

3.Desiring God:

A true desire for God is a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of an individual. It is God who draws people to Himself, awakening a desire for Him and eternal life.

Philippians 2:13 states, "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." This assures us that our desire for God and our ability to seek Him are initiated and sustained by His grace.

Chapter 22