Two
Small Fish
Please take a
moment to read the passage.
Two
Small Fish
Please take a
moment to read the passage.
May 15, 2007
Even So, Come Lord Jesus
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Prayer:
Sovereign God, write Your word upon my heart that I would not stray from You. Thank You for Your promise of my eternal dwelling place in Your presence and help me to do my part in building Your kingdom. Transpose Your love and compassion for sinners into my heart and show me those with whom You desire me to share Jesus. In His precious name, I pray. Amen
ntroduction:
One of the most important and costly features of a wedding is photographs. We want memories of the day and they must be perfect. Lighting is the key. No shadows on the bride; no glare on eyeglasses; everyone lean in, tilt heads, turn shoulders, SMILE—now hold that position until your cheeks ache—click. REPEAT 250 times and we got it in the bag . . . uh . . . the album.
In the New Jerusalem, we won’t have to worry about the lighting, shadows, eyeglasses, not even achy cheeks. Come to think of it, we’ll have no need for photographs. Our memories will be clear and everything will be as God intends—perfect.
The Lesson:
The River of Life: The only water on the new earth will flow from the throne of God and of Jesus. Here, we treat our water sources to purify the water and add chemicals to enhance our lives. There, the water is pure and nothing can be added to enhance it because it comes directly from the Almighty God.
The Tree of Life: On either side of the river, there are trees of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit. This tree was in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). After sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God closed the entrance to the Garden and placed angelic guards at the gate to prevent humans from eating the fruit of the tree of life (Genesis 3:22-24). If they would have eaten the fruit, they would have gained eternal life, but would have been eternally in their sin. And like the fallen angels, they would have had no hope of redemption. This is another example of God’s infinite love, mercy, and grace imparted on humanity. But when the New Paradise is opened to us, we will have access to the tree of life because our sins have been washed away.
The Fruit: My father-in-law used to say, “Everything I like, I’m not supposed to eat; and everything I’m supposed to eat, I don’t like.” We won’t have that problem in eternity. The fruit on the tree is varied, pleasant and satisfying, and wholesome. Yes, wholesome and we will enjoy it.
The Leaves: The leaves on the tree are for the healing of the nations. This may seem like a contradiction since we’ve already learned that there will be no sickness in God’s kingdom. While I don’t claim to know it all, I do understand that God knows what we have need of and provides all we need. Perhaps this is preventive medicine rather than a cure for disease. That’s just a thought.
No More Curse: Our work will be an extension and completion of ourselves. We will not have to labor by the sweat of our brow; but we will serve God with enthusiasm and in love. Satan will not be there to distract us from our service, nor to draw us away from God.
The Seal and the Light: Again we are reminded that God has placed His name on the foreheads of those who have submitted to Him as a mark of ownership. And there will be no artificial light or need for the sun because God is the Light and has given the Light to the redeemed.
The Sixth Beatitude: Jesus promises to come quickly and bless those who keep the sayings of the prophecy of the Revelation. The sayings are: Jesus is the Lamb of God; no one enters the God’s Kingdom without being washed in the Lamb’s blood and clothed in His righteousness; it is our responsibility to warn the nations of God’s coming wrath and judgment.
John’s integrity: John confesses his sin—for the third time, he attempts to worship an angel instead of God. This demonstrates John’s sincerity and love for the truth, therefore, we can trust his writings to be exactly what Jesus had said, what He did, and who He is. The angel’s response—don’t do it; worship God only—displays the angel’s zeal for and dedication to the mission of God. No one deserves praise, but God and Jesus.
The Written Word: The angel commanded John not to seal up the prophecy, but to write for the entire world to see. God intended it to strengthen, confirm, and sanctify those who believe and to convince, convict, and convert those who do not.
The Seventh Beatitude: Jesus reminds us that He is the beginning and the end, by Him all things were and are created, and He sustains all things. He will return quickly, but because of His love for all people, the time has not yet come. However when the time comes, His appearance will be swift; and the unbelievers will not have time to consider their choices. Jesus will reward the saints for their works. He says we are blessed if we keep His commandments. Works do not save, but bring blessings. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Now we are given a hope of reward for our obedience—access to the tree of life and entrance into the Holy City. What a blessing to be invited into the presence of God and to share a meal with Him.
A glimpse of the lost: Outside God’s kingdom, are those who are eternally lost. Again, we sense Jesus’ concern as He reminds us of their fate and nudges us to witness for Him.
The Invitation: By tradition, the Bride sends out invitations to all her acquaintances. Our heavenly Father encourages us through the Holy Spirit to expand the guest list. There is room in the Father’s house for as many as will to come and refreshments for those who are hungry and thirsty. And all those who will may drink from the water of life freely and regain their position in Christ.
The Warning: Anyone who dares to make changes to God’s word either through addition to it or elimination from it will be severely punished. Presently, there is a lot of controversy thrown at the Christian because archeologists claim to have found “other writings” of witnesses such as Mary Magdalene and Thomas. Can we know we have the complete and true word of God? Because of this warning, we can be sure that God carefully preserved His word for us and has set a flaming sword to guard the sanction as He did the Garden of Eden.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Jesus repeats His promise of a sure and swift return. Our wonderful Groom has gone to prepare a place for us and has sent a love letter, which includes His love and concern for us, great promise of a bright future, and pictures of our beautiful inheritance.
Amen—let it be as He has said. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Prayer Requests:
Colby, Bruce, Donna & Roger, Kimberly, Florence, South Mountain Children’s Home, Gene, Chris, Nora, Rachel & Nick, Gloria, Shirley & Ryan, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis & husband, Don & Pat, John, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, salvation for unsaved, Thelma, Ann, Pauline, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
We have finished the study of Revelation. Praise God for He is worthy and the Lamb for He has shed His blood that we may be reconciled with the Father.
WOO HOO! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Our Bible Study will reconvene in September, 2007. Read the Bible daily, ask for His wisdom and strength, and follow His divine will. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net Be sure to put today’s Bible study in the subject line or I may delete it unopened.
To view the previous chapters of our study on the book of Revelation, follow this link: http://www.twosmallfish.org/revelation_bible_study.htm
To view our previous Bible studies and devotions, follow this link: http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda Hendricks
You turned
my mourning into dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
