Revelation 22
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly” (Rev. 22:20). Three times in this chapter He makes this announcement (vss. 7,12,20). What a blessed prospect is unfolded to us!
During the little interval of waiting until He comes, what does our Lord expect of us here? This chapter gives the answer. We have pointed out the threefold announcement of His speedy coming, and now let us look at their different connections. The first is, “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (vs. 7). Thus, He teaches us that obedience is what He prizes in His own while they await His coming, and this obedience is the proof of our love.
Who then, with such a word as this, will seek to excuse himself from obedience? Will not every true believer rather say, “What a privilege my Lord has bestowed upon me, to permit me to declare my love for Him whom man rejected, by keeping His Word!” His eye rests with delight upon those who, amid trials and dangers, make this the one object of their lives!
He speaks the second time and says, “Behold, I come quickly: and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (vs. 12). Here we are taught that He looks for faithfulness in His servants. Moreover, He will recompense them accordingly. (Compare Luke 19:12-26.)
The last time, He speaks, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.” The response of John is, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” — a response which should flow spontaneously from the heart of every saint. Thus we are taught that during the little while we await, our affections are very precious to Him.
These are the three things which He looks for from us now: obedience, faithfulness and affection. The prospect of the Lord’s coming and what He values in His saints while they are expecting His return are for us to consider in the light of this truth.
E. Dennett