June 2,2019 Seventh Sunday of Easter

“10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” 12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 ¶ He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:10-21 NKJV)

It can be easier to preach from the first part of Revelation 22 than the second part. These verses we either want to read over quickly or do not read them at all. How can the “kind and loving” Jesus say these things!

It is so easy to incorrectly define love as being “kind”. Take time to see how many times the “kind” is used in the Bible. Love at times will appear to be very unkind. It is easier – FOR US – to send people to hell with a smile on their face than to love someone enough to call them to God’s Truth even if it costs us their friendship.

The first section holds a surprising and seemingly contradictory view of Jesus.

“10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

This could mean since the “time is at hand” there will not be time to seal “the words of the prophecy” or it could mean the seal should not be sealed to leave room for others to come. Either possibility reveals the caring nature of God’s willingness to not close the prophecy.

11 “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Here is where the image of the “nice” Jesus takes a serious hit. Bluntly we are told, to paraphrase, the bad will remain bad and those Jesus has cleansed of sin and made righteous will remain so. Righteousness is not an act or actions by us but the work of God in us so we must trust in Jesus!

What does verse 11 mean? Is God saying there is no hope for us if we are filthy now? Is this a sign of the unkindness of God? Or is it a call and warning of God’s love (Is their a difference?) to receive Jesus and be made righteous?

To some this passage teaches predestination since those who are filthy will remain filthy. Or could it be the God who exists outside of time “foreknew” who would come or not. Which way best takes into account prophesy being left open? Which way reveals to us the infinite and eternal God unlimited by any boundaries.