Saturday 18 August 2012

Background

For those who read the Bible from cover to cover - from Genesisto Revelation - this is the finishing line. But in eagerness tocross it, it is easy and tempting to rush onwards. But in doing so,we can miss what today's passage has to say to us.

John the Divine (the author of Revelation) continues to pick upthemes in the rest of Scripture. In verses 9 and 10, as he bowsdown before the angel, he is firmly put in his place. "You must notdo that!" says the angel (v. 9). "Worship God!" It is God whoshould be the object and focus of worship, not an angel. Comparethis to the Israelites in the wilderness as they choose to worshipa golden calf (Exodus 32), rather than God.

When will they (and we) ever learn?

Faith and discipleship is not about following and worshippingsomething, it is about someone. It is not about obeying rules andregulations, it's about a relationship. It is a relationship withthe one who lives, who teaches, who loves, who forgives, who offersus a new life and a new start. It is about a relationship withJesus.

Despite all the horror and violence in the book, it ends with aninvitation: "Come". "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come'. And leteveryone who hears say, 'Come'. And let everyone who is thirstycome." (v. 17)

It is an invitation from God; it is an invitation to God.

And what is the response? "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (v. 20)

To ponder:

• What lessons from God do you find difficult to learn? Whathelps you to try again?

• The invitation to come is not only from God, but from others("And let everyone who hears say, 'Come'" (v. 18)). How can youoffer that invitation to others?

• Reflect on these words: "Amen [so be it]. Come, Lord Jesus".What can you make these words your own?