Revelation 22:6-11
The second-to-last Sunday in the Church Year turns our thoughts to Judgment Day, so a reading from the Book of Revelation is most appropriate. In this last chapter of St. John’s Revelation, the angel who has shown all those apocalyptic visions to the apostle confirms that the message is true.
And what is the message behind all those visions? First, that Christians will face many trials as we wait for Christ’s promised return: persecution from the devil and from the world, and temptations from our own sinful flesh. Second, we are assured that Christ reigns even in the midst of the trials, and that He will certainly come again at just the right time. Third, we are warned not to allow the devil, the world, or our flesh to lead us astray, but to trust in Christ for help now and for perfect deliverance when He comes. And finally, we are comforted, both with the assurance that every enemy of Christ and of Christians will be defeated, and with the blessed vision of the glory of heaven—the glory that awaits all who remain faithful to the end.
Specifically, we’re comforted in today’s reading with Jesus’ promise to come soon, and with His word of blessing for all those who take heed to the warnings and comforts given in the Book of Revelation. We’re also comforted by the words of the angel, assuring us that all who keep the words of this prophecy are fellow servants of the holy prophets and of the angels themselves!
The message that judgment is coming serves as an urgent warning for unbelievers, while it serves as both warning and comfort for believers. The angel who revealed the Revelation to John urged him not to seal up the words of the book, but to make them known. If these visions of the end times end up hardening the wicked in their persecution and unbelief, so be it. If they end up strengthening and preserving the righteous in faith and love, may it be so!
Let us pray: O Jesus, preserve us in faith, guide us in love, and defend Your servants as we await Your coming and fervently pray, Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
