Summary

• The River of Life (Verses 1-2): A pure river of water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, symbolizing eternal life and healing for the nations.
• The Tree of Life (Verse 2): The tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding its fruit each month, represents abundant provision and healing for the nations.
• God’s Throne and His Servants (Verses 3-5): God’s servants will serve Him and see His face. There will be no more curse, and God’s light will illuminate everything—no need for sun or moon.
• Jesus’ Testimony and Promise (Verses 6-7): Jesus confirms the reliability of the prophecy and promises His return, blessing those who keep the words of the prophecy.
• The Call to Obedience (Verses 8-9): John attempts to worship the angel, but the angel redirects him to worship God alone and keep the prophecy.
• Final Warning and Invitation (Verses 10-17): Jesus repeats that His return is imminent, and there is a call for the righteous to remain righteous and the unjust to remain unjust. The invitation to “come” is extended to all who thirst.
• Judgement and Reward (Verse 12): Jesus announces that He is coming quickly and will reward everyone according to their deeds.
• The Final Blessing (Verses 14-15): Blessed are those who keep His commandments, granting them access to the tree of life and entry into the city, while the wicked remain outside.
• The Assurance of Jesus’ Coming (Verses 16-21): Jesus identifies Himself as the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star, and reiterates His imminent return. The book ends with a final blessing and warning against adding or removing from the prophecy.

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OVERVIEW

QUESTION ONE
The River and Tree of Life
Question: What do the river of life and the tree of life signify in the context of eternal life and healing?
Reflection: Explore how these symbols reflect abundant provision and restoration in the new creation.

QUESTION TWO
The Servants’ Eternal Service
Question: What does it mean for God’s servants to see His face and serve Him in eternity?
Reflection: Consider the significance of the removal of the curse and the intimate relationship between God and His people.

QUESTION THREE
Jesus’ Imminent Return
Question: How does Jesus’ promise of His imminent return shape Christian expectations and behavior?
Reflection: Think about how the anticipation of Christ’s return motivates obedience and readiness.

QUESTION FOUR
The Invitation to Come
Question: What is the significance of the repeated invitation for the thirsty to come and drink?
Reflection: Examine how this invitation represents God’s desire for all to receive eternal life.

QUESTION FIVE
The Reward and Judgement
Question: What does it mean that Jesus will reward each according to their deeds?
Reflection: Reflect on the connection between faithfulness in life and the reward in the age to come.

Are you ready?

QUESTION SIX
Are You Ready for His Return
Question: What (and how) does it mean to prepare yourself for His return?
Reflection: Reflect on the connection between our daily spiritual practice and being prepared for the return of our heavenly Bridegroom.

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Image by Jeremy Perkins