December 31 / Revelation 22:1-21

Revelation 22:1-21

Today we end Revelation. And with ending Revelation, we have ended the entire New Testament. If this is your first trip through the complete New Testament, congratulations! That’s an excellent accomplishment. The next step is the Old Testament, maybe in one year, then the entire Bible, beginning to end! That might be a 2023 plan for RTB.

Today, Revelation 22. In the past we have often gathered together on December 31 to celebrate our year of having read completely through the Bible. Part of our gathering – the beginning, actually – was reading through Revelation 22. I’m sorry that we haven’t done that the past few years. As I note above, maybe 2023.

One item from today’s reading: And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. (v. 7) and Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. (v. 14) This verse is the seventh blessing given in the book of Revelation. Here are the other five:

• Rev. 1:3, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
• Rev. 14:13, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!
• Rev. 16:15, Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!
• Rev. 19:9, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
• Rev. 20:6, Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!

I truly hope and pray that each of you feels blessed.