Invitation to the Unexpected and Impossible

Click here: Revelation 22:12-17

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

Suppose you were to get a last-minute call from a friend who said,

“Hey, I know this is short notice, but I am on my way over to your house right now.  I will be there in a few minutes.”

Now suppose this was not a friend, but someone you hold in high regard.   How does that change things? What type of reaction would you have?  Does it send a chill down your spine?

“I am not prepared!! 

I haven’t even had my shower yet today.

My house is not clean. 

What will they see from my day-to-day life that will reveal things about me that I am not proud of? 

What will they think of me?  Will they judge me?”

In the beginning of today’s passage, Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon!”

The first word “look” can also be translated as “BEHOLD.”  "Behold" suggests a joyful exuberance or liveliness. 

It seems to say, “I have something entirely unexpected and utterly impossible to share with you.  So, pay attention!  Listen up!”

But Jesus next words play into our worst fear, “My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

I feel my soul thrashing and twisting at these words!  What is it that I truly deserve?  When He comes, will He find me lacking, insufficient, broken, and less than all I was created to be?

 Jesus is the is the Alpha and Omega who knows everything about everything - including everything about me. I can't hide anything from Him. 

So, why this exuberant invitation to “BEHOLD” Jesus and His coming?

Jesus invites us to embrace the unexpected.  Jesus invites us to hold on to the hope of the impossible.

Throughout the Scripture we hear story after story of those who were given God’s covenant.  They were often stubbornly wayward, predisposed to unfaithfulness, and dreadfully unworthy. 

This is our story too, isn’t it? 

Though we are unfaithful, God remains faithful.  He comes for us anyway!  The reward in store for us was purchased at an extremely high price. 

“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”  Revelation 7:14b

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, but as Christ’s redeemed Bride, we are clothed beautifully in radiant white garments washed in the blood of the ONLY perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ.

As His betrothed, we are granted FULL rights to the tree of life. All the abundance that flows from His dwelling place is ours. 

Being washed clean and given the unexpected, impossible, undeserved rewards of abundant provision, our heart can confidently cry out: 

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”   Revelation 22:20

Prayer – Hold your hands out in front of you. Turn them upside down. Dump out all the reasons why you feel undeserving. Pour out your confession to God.

See Him washing you clean and clothing you with a dazzling white garment.  Turn your hands right side up.  Picture Jesus pouring into your hands this unexpected and impossible gift of the water of life, overflowing with abundance.

Confidently cry out: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”