📅 Date: April 16, 2025

📖 DAILY BIBLE READING

✨ Revelation 22 – The River of Life and the Final Invitation: Jesus Is Coming Soon!
📯 The Fulfillment of the Promise: The River of Life, Reunion with God, and Jesus’ Last Call: “Behold, I am coming soon!”

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📜 Bible Text – Revelation 22 (KJV)

¹ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

² In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

⁴ And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

⁵ And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

⁶ And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

⁷ Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

⁸ And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

⁹ Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

¹⁰ And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

¹¹ He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

¹² And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

¹³ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

¹⁴ Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

¹⁵ For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

¹⁶ I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

¹⁸ For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

¹⁹ And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

²⁰ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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🔵 Introduction

The final chapter of the Bible overflows with hope, comfort, and an urgent invitation. John sees the consummation of God’s plan: eternal life in God’s direct presence, free from suffering, darkness, or sin. Three times Jesus proclaims, “Behold, I am coming soon.” This chapter calls us to remain faithful, stay watchful, and prepare for the eternal kingdom.

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🟡 Commentary

🔹 1. The River of Life and the Restored Paradise (vv. 1–5)

• A crystal-clear river flows from God’s throne and the Lamb.

• The tree of life bears fruit monthly, and its leaves heal the nations.

• No more curse, no night: God Himself is the light, and His people reign forever.

🔹 2. The Reliability of the Prophetic Word (vv. 6–9)

• The angel affirms the truth of this revelation.

• John is reminded to worship God only, not the messenger.

🔹 3. The Final Invitation and Exhortation (vv. 10–17)

• “Time is at hand”: there is no neutrality—choose a side.

• “Come!”—the Spirit and the bride call all who thirst to receive the water of life freely.

🔹 4. Warning against Tampering with the Message (vv. 18–19)

• Severe warning: adding to or taking away from this prophecy brings loss of one’s share in eternal life.

🔹 5. The Last Promise and Benediction (vv. 20–21)

• Jesus twice assures: “Surely I am coming soon.”

• The church responds in longing: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

• Final blessing of Christ’s grace upon all.

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🟢 Summary

Revelation 22 closes Scripture with a magnificent vision: God dwelling with humanity in a restored paradise, flowing with the water of life. The invitation is clear: come and drink freely. The final words of Jesus assure us of His imminent return and call for faithfulness.

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🔴 Message for Today

👉 What does Revelation 22 teach us now?

• Jesus Is Coming Soon! His return is certain and near.

• His Word Is Trustworthy. Hold fast to the Bible’s revelation.

• All Are Invited. Now is the time to come to Christ for living water.

• Be a Light. Share this eternal hope with others.

📖 “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” (Rev. 22:17)

🌿 Stay watchful, joyful, and ready as we await the glorious fulfillment of God’s promise.
🌟 “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” (Isaiah 60:1)

📯📯📯📯📯📯📯

📆 April 13 – 19, 2025

📆 WEEKLY READING OF THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

📖 Ellen White | Steps to Christ – Chapter 13

✨ Rejoicing in the Lord

📖 Read here online

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🔵 Introduction

In the Christian life there is a deep, lasting joy—regardless of external circumstances. This chapter shows how, despite trials and struggles, we can live a fulfilled and joyful faith. True joy is not rooted in the pleasures of this world, but in ongoing fellowship with God, in trusting His love, and in looking forward to the glorious future He has prepared for us.

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🟡 Commentary

🔹 1. Our Calling: Bearers of Light and Letters of Christ (Sections 1–3)
Christians are God’s representatives, through whom the world should recognize His love.
Our lives should reflect Christ’s character: love, mercy, and joy.

🔹 2. Dangers of Distrust and Complaint (Sections 4–8)
Satan rejoices when doubt and grumbling cloud our faith.
Rather than focusing on the “thorns” and disappointments, we should pick the “roses” along our path—being consciously aware of God’s blessings.
Sadness and complaint discourage others and do not honor God.

🔹 3. Gratitude Instead of Doubt (Sections 9–14)
When we doubt God’s love, we wound Him—like children who question their parents’ affection.
Every expression of doubt strengthens Satan’s influence; every expression of faith strengthens us and others.

🔹 4. Christian Joy in Service (Sections 15–18)
Jesus was a man of sorrows, yet He always bore peace and joy within Him.
True believers are serious but not sullen; their joy is founded on trust in God’s love.

🔹 5. God’s Care and Our Trust (Sections 19–24)
Jesus teaches us to trust God’s provision, as birds and lilies do.
Worry and anxiety darken our lives and reveal a lack of faith.

🔹 6. Courage in Trials and Keeping Our Eyes on the Goal (Sections 25–28)
Even when trials come, we may be courageous—God has helped us so far and will continue to do so.
Strength for each trial is given in proportion to the need.

🔹 7. The Glorious Inheritance of the Redeemed (Sections 29–32)
In the end we await joy, purity, and fellowship with God and the redeemed.
Already, we may live in faith of this future and taste heaven’s joy now.

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🟢 Summary

This chapter teaches that:

• Christian joy is deep, steadfast, and independent of outward circumstances.

• Distrust and complaining harm ourselves and others.

• Gratitude, trust, and a focus on God’s goodness strengthen our faith.

• The hope of eternal life sustains us through every difficulty.

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🔴 Message for Today

👉 What does this message mean for us personally?

• Learn to see God’s blessings daily and be thankful for His love.

• Don’t be paralyzed by worry and fear—trust in God’s care.

• Bring hope and joy to those around you through your faith.

• Don’t focus on the thorns in your life; pick the flowers of grace.

• Remember: The path of duty is the path of peace and true joy.

📜 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

🌿 True joy in the Lord is a light that draws others to the source of life—Jesus Christ, our Savior.