Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Fruitful Christian Living

Revelation 22:1-7
Key Verse: Revelation 22:7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book
 

A survey was given to over 700 people. The question asked was “If you could say in one word what you want more of in life, what would that be?”
Not surprisingly, the top answer was “happiness.” Happiness is what everyone seems to be pursuing, but few people are finding it. They aren’t finding it because they aren’t going to the source.
In today’s passage, we will see that God gives happiness, joy to all who belong to Him, not only now, but for eternity.
The word for 'blessed' here is the Greek word “Makarios.” It means key to happiness. Many people would pay a lot of money for the secret to eternal happiness. And it is given to us right here in this passage for free. The blessings that we will see in this passage are freely given by God to those who keep the counsel and warnings in this book. Here the word is given in the context of the second coming. Did you notice, how central God’s word is in these verses? Hear v. 6: “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
John reminds us that these words are true. And by implication all the words of Scripture are true. Remember what Jesus said right after predicting his second coming in Matthew 24.  He said, “Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass away.”  My Dear Brothers and sisters, we can trust God’s word. He is always faithful to what he says in it. And it is not just a matter of truth for our heads.
Let’s face it, there are times in this Christian life where the journey gets hard especially when the realities of life hit you square in the face. However, no matter how challenging this life gets, we have a real hope, Jesus is coming soon. For many people, these words are frightening but the Bible reminds us that this fact should not scare us but encourage us. If you are persecuted for your faith, you can be encouraged because Jesus is coming soon. If you are sick in your body, you can be encouraged because Jesus is coming soon. It does not matter what situation you face in life; you can encourage yourself and others with the fact that Jesus is coming soon. One of our primary responsibilities in this world is to share the gospel. Verse 7: Then the Lord Jesus spoke to John., ‘Jesus said that he was coming soon’. He will come to rescue his church. We do not know when he will come. He could come at any time. When Jesus comes, it will be sudden. The church must always be ready for the Lord to come. 
The Lord has given us the prophecy in this book. He gave it not only for us to know about the future but also, he wanted us to live now by what the Lord says. The future must affect how we live now. We must obey the prophecy in this book. Repent ourselves and submit everything in God’s hands. He will guide & strengthen you in your day-to-day life. 

God will bless those who obey him. In the end, those who trust Christ will be safe. Their troubles will only last for a short time. Then the Lord Jesus will take them to live with him always. They will enjoy all that God gives in the new earth.

We should do this whether Christ comes tomorrow or if it is one thousand years from now. Since we are the ones who have the good news, we are the ones who need to share it. Too often we can fall into the trap of treating Christianity like it is exclusive, where you have your salvation but there is no room for anyone else.
Jesus said in the book of Revelation, “yes, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20). Let’s shape our lives now to be ready and joyful on that day when he splits the sky and returns to his people on the clouds of glory! 
 

Prayer
 Heavenly Father, thank you, that you have given me everything that is needful for Godly living and a fruitful life. I pray that You remove any areas in my life that hinder me from being fruitful in your service.  May God’s grace strengthen us until the last day, until the day Jesus returns. Amen.
 Thought for the Day:
Jesus is coming! soon! To those who call him with sincerity he is near. Salvation is for those who obey the prophecy in the book and are ready for His second coming.   

  Mrs. Mariamma Abraham
      Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston
 

 Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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