The final book of the New Testament canon is the book of Revelation – named for the Greek word, “apokalypsis” which means unveiling or disclosure. Scholars have debated the actual author, John as to if it is the same disciple John from the Gospel of John or the Letters of John and if it should be included in the canon at all. From textual references within the book, such as awareness of history that had not happened in Jesus’ time, like the destruction of the Temple by the Romans and “mentions the twelve apostles as figures from the past (21:14) and does not refer to himself as one” leans this book to not be the same author as the New Oxford Annotated Bible outlines. Yet this author does know his scripture, over 275 quotes and allusions to passages pepper the book from both the New and Old Testaments. And when addressing the “seven churches that are in Asia” it also suggests both the author knowing the audience and them being known to him as well as. While interpretation of such book has been varied, broad, confusing and at times frightening, what remains and is clearly painted, as the New Oxford Annotated Bible notes “a vivid portrait of the opposing sides of the eschatological conflict that will culminate in the definitive victory of God and the final defeat of all who oppose God.”
Revelation 22:1-5; 16-17
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever.
16‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’
17 The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’
And let everyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.”
Prayer
Lord God, the Alpha and Omega, I hear the final words of Revelation and pray for that glorious day, one of rejoicing and worship at your feet. As Christ continues to lead me, may he lead me safely home. Amen.
