The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”

“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” – Revelation 22:17.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”

Testifying to the churches in Asia Minor in the book of Revelation, and to His churches in general, Jesus say, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Rev.22:12, 13). Reading further in verses 14 and 15: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”

Jesus states His Being and inherent authority in verses 12, 13 and 16. He is the Supreme One especially to His church or assembly of followers, those devoted to Him. It is through His people that He appeals to those who are spiritually thirsting. The invitation to “take the water of life freely” is for “whoever desires.” There has to be a thirsting and a desiring for things spiritual. Without a hungering, thirsting and desiring, one could never be satisfied. The deep emptiness people experience in spite of great worldly possession arises from being spiritually dry and barren.

Jesus is one with His bride, the church. He is the Spirit inherent in His bride. He carries out His purpose in the world through the church, His physical representative on earth, to reach out to the lost and spiritually thirsting souls with the invitation: “COME!”

The Father has been merciful. He has poured out His love on humanity and He joins in imploring lost humanity to look to the cross where Jesus, His only One and Only (unique) Son died, having become the sacrificial Lamb which takes away the sins of the world.

Jesus says, “My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to his work” (v. 12). The work begins with doing “His commandments” (v. 14). Those who obey “have the right to the tree of life” and are granted entrance “into the city.” Eternal life in the presence of God is assured here.

Life is very short. It is gone before we even realize. Are you coming to Jesus? Will you heed His and the churches invitation to “Come!” There is much to gain in being reconciled to and united with the ONE Who is Eternal. It is an assurance of our eternal being. So, come and “take the water of life freely.”

To GOD be the glory now and always, in Christ Jesus our Lord! Amen.