Revelation 22:8-11 - Take Heed!

Having had the privilege to see so much, John felt the urgency to exhort all to uphold all the truths. He was calling believers to pay attention to what really matter. Like we saw in Revelation 19:10, here he again fell at the feet of an angel to worship him, although he was told earlier not to do so. This only tells us that he must have been so overawed by all that he had seen, while at the same time warning believers of the danger of misdirecting our veneration to the wrong object. Like the previous time, the angel also told him not to worship him.

Like John and all the prophets, the angel is only a servant and here to serve the purpose of God. As we think deeper, John’s intention becomes clearer. He essentially wants us to know that when we become overawed by our experiences, it’s possible for us to direct our worship to the wrong object. However, there are two things stated at the end of verse 9 that all believers must positively do. They are to keep worshiping God, and to keep the words of this book. The exhortation here is to keep the words of the prophecy. We are not merely to hear it but to keep it. What does it mean to keep the word of the prophecy? Simply explained, it means that as believers of Christ, we must endure tribulation, while at the same time stay faithful to Him in the trials, pressure and persecution. This is a call to follow the Lamb to the very end.

Here John receives the instruction to leave the scroll of this book ready for use. He must keep it unsealed. The scroll must be read and evaluated before coming to conclusions. Once understood, the truth must be applied to one’s daily life to keep one prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Why do John say, “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” He must have realized the urgency of the time. This is a hyperbole, warning that the time and events are fast approaching. And when they dawn on us, it may be too late for one to seek repentance. Hence it’s better to stay true to Christ and continue in one’s practise of righteous and holy living.

The importance of right living can never be over emphasized. They are just echoes of what Christ had called believers to do while he was on earth. We must keep at the forefront of our mind to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Let’s collaborate with the Holy Spirit as we make sure the right and needful things of life are practised to bring the glory of God upon earth!