The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
Revelation 22:17
If you have been on the reading plan for this year’s theme at Hope called Whole Holy Bible in a Year, let me be the first to congratulate you on completing the whole thing! Reading the whole Bible is no small feat and says a lot about your heart, your passion and your relationship with God. Well done!
Didn’t read the whole thing this year?
No worry needed. In fact, picking up at the end can be an exciting place to start. Chapter 22 is the conclusion of the message God has been trying to explain to us since the very first couple of chapters of Genesis. He loves us, wants the best for us, and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep our relationship with him intact.
This is good news, and it just keeps going. This gift of grace is not a limited-time offer. Who is welcome at the Lord’s table? Who did Jesus seek out on this planet? Whose cry does God hear in the wilderness? Who did God send his son Jesus Christ to rescue? Us! You! The invite is ready and waiting and there are no plans to expire.
Revelation tells us the thirsty are invited to come and drink of the water of life. Not the people who have it all figured out. I do not know about you, but there are times when I find myself very thirsty. I also find moments where thirst is there, but am so worried, in a hurry, or disconnected from it I do not even realize how great my need really is. The key is to be aware of our need and when the prompting comes, go all-in and experience God’s grace.
Questions for reflection:
- As you’ve been reading Revelation, what will you take away? Would you describe it as a book of terror or hope?
- What do you thirst for as you live your life in this chaotic world?
- What’s getting in the way of tuning into that thirst?
- What can you do to step forward toward God and get a larger drink of living water?