I, JESUS
Today’s Reading: Revelation 22
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Underground rivers surface at Caesarea Philippi in northern Israel. This is one of the sources of the Jordan River. It was here that the Apostle Peter began to, as today’s reading says, drink “of the water of life freely.” Here Peter’s thirst was quenched as he confessed to Jesus, “You are the Christ (Messiah), Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). One of the reasons for this blog is to encourage people everywhere to do as God’s final invitation in the Bible says, “Let him (or her) who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17b)!!!”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 22:12
And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…
Bernard of Clairvaux wrote:
“Jesus the very thought of Thee
With Sweetness fills my breast,
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest!
Jesus our only joy be Thou
As Thou our prize wilt be:
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.”
This concluding chapter of Revelation is one of invitation. After giving a few more details about the new Jerusalem (verses 1-5), the vision crystalizes into the expectation of Christ’s return (verses 7, 12, 20) and the awesome offer to “whoever wishes” to “take the free gift of the water of life” (verse 17). It is a great invitation, and it is still possible to say “Yes” to God.
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” is the climactic statement of all Scripture. God has invited you! God has invited me! We can come to the wedding banquet. We can come to the new Jerusalem.
We can come because the Lord Jesus is coming…soon! The whole impetus of Revelation, and of history, is focused on that coming. His re-entry into space and time is the absolute pinnacle of the Church’s great hope.
As I wrote in my book, Theology for Non-Theologians,
“Suddenly the most sublime words of all come rolling out of the heavenlies. A divine invitation just for you…the whole point of the Bible suddenly becomes clear. A cry from deep within the heart explodes out on us, ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’”
Indeed, “Thou our prize wilt be…”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I have heard Your invitation to drink of that “pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” I am drinking now as I meditate on today’s reading. I am experiencing an inner “washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26b). It is an absolute necessity for life that I drink from Your “pure river” every day, without fail. I pray that I will not dehydrate spiritually, becoming a shrivelled up soul who fails to keep on drinking consistently! I ask for this blessing in the Name of Jesus Who cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come unto Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37, 38). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I have two supplemental readings to suggest. Is it possible for a 21st century person to enter the mind space of Jewish people, who for over 600 years had been waiting for the Messiah (Ezekiel’s time to the time of Jesus)? I’ve tried to imagine the people who were worshipping God in the Temple and hearing the priests read the required Scripture on “The great day of the feast.” Read Ezekiel 47:1-12. Then read what Jesus did and said. He would have interrupted the liturgy with His loud cry! Read John 7:37-39! The priest had read of the living waters flowing out from under the doors of the Temple, and to the Jewish mind there was no mistaking the fact that Jesus, Himself, claimed to be those very waters prophesied about by Ezekiel.
Revelation 22:17a says, “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘COME!'” That’s us. We, who believe in Jesus, are His bride! Make no mistake, you and I are to offer, in the power of the Spirit, that greatest invitation ever heard by human ears. Let’s get to it!!! Amen???
Also I cannot finish my personal words about the last chapter in the New Testament without referring to the last words of the Old Testament. In Malachi 4:6b God says, “Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse!” God did strike the earth with a curse. It is written in Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’ – see Deuteronomy 21:23). Because of the cross (the tree), the New Testament ends with the words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly!” and we can respond, “Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!!!” And John gives us his final benediction, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) be with you all. Amen!!!” (the last two verses of the Bible).
Yours because it’s all about Jesus Who said, “I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16b),
David
P.S. My most heartfelt thanks to all who have helped me complete this two-year journey through the Bible. Today is my son Ron’s birthday. He has formatted each day’s blog and I’ve simply filled in the blanks. Ann, Ron’s wife, has read each blog before it is posted for accuracy, punctuation, etc. It’s also their daughter, Andrea Patterson’s birthday. She has recently obtained her PhD in immuno-oncology, with studies in the field of cancer research and immunology, particularly in blood-related cancers. Happy birthdays from a very proud Dad, Grandfather, and from my sweetheart Norma-Jean, a proud Mom and Grandmother.
Over the next four days, until we start the next two-year reading period, I’ll be thanking others by name who have helped. The biggest thanks goes to God and to His people who’ve participated, reading with me daily for two whole years (or who have started along the way). Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!
Several large reservoirs contain water from snow-capped Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the Middle East. The sources of the Jordan flow from underground streams that come from this mountain. On one occasion I travelled by a ski lift to the top. The borders of Syria, Lebanon and Israel converge there. I witnessed an amazing sight. Just for fun the soldiers were exchanging snowballs across the border. They were all enjoying the fun in very good humour.
Thanks David, Norma Jean, Ron and Ann. Happy birthday Ron and Andrea. May God bless you with His Love, Hope, Joy, and Happiness all the days of your life.Please pray for us as we do for all of you.
Many thanks to David your words of encouragement, to Ron and Ann your help. I appreciate each day’s reading and a new understanding of the scripture. Also the pictures in relation to the scriptures were amazing. I am so grateful to everyone who help in this blog.
Happy Birthday to Ron and Andrea – you have a wonderful day filled with God’s Blessings.
I agree. Thanks from me too!
Just to say how much I appreciate each of you, and the contribution you have made, as the two previous people have said! I enjoy this blog so much. Thank you!
Thank you Jesus for your life and sacrifice and now for the invitation to “Come.” Thank you David, Norma Jean, Reynold, Ron and Ann. Happy Birthday Ron and Andrea.
You have a wonderful family and support David, with our Lords guidance helping you be all you can be. Thank you for openly sharing your views, regardless of controversy, and structuring this reading over the years. Happy Birthday Ronald and Andrea! Thank you so much!!!
And yes, Reynold … Outstanding photography and relevance to our readings! Thank you Ann and Ron for your effort and time preparing and posting David’s Blog!
Incredible photos, this morning–thank you, Reynold! They would make lovely paintings. Yes, Thank YOU, David, Norma-Jean, Ron and Ann! Also, David, for the comparison of the last words between OT and NT. Happy Birthdays to Ron and Andrea! Lord, we drink from Your living water of life and give You all the thanks and praise! All for Your glory! Amen, amen, and amen! Blessings dear saints, in the Lord!
P.S. This is the first time I have ever encountered a grammatical error in the Bible. Ezekiel 47:10 NKJV: “It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets.” It should read –there will be places for spreading their nets.
“…Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it…” Psalm 81:10, NLT
I Sing Praises To Your Name! Jentezen Franklin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXl7BNyYP2w
Could “they” be a conjunctive adverb in reference to En Gedi to En Eglaim?
I don’t think so, David; that is not the way I read it.
I believe you are right David N. “they”, I believe is correct, as it is in reference to the two places (after a semicolon) which is like another sentence.
I think the antecedent to the word, “they” is En Gedi & En Glaim. In that case the word,”they”is correct. That’s the word that is used in KJV & NKJV, but in the NIV the word, “there” is used. So I quess the translators had different opinions on what words to add in English to make it understandable. The words, “they shall be a place” is added by the translators. They are not there in Hebrew words.
Just a thought.
Thank you Don and David; though it does not sound completely right, it makes sense, now. Bless you!
Happy birthday Ron and Andrea, hope you have a wonderful day full of many Blessings. Praise God for the whole Maine’s family, what a Blessing they are and have been to us, I am looking forward to 2 more years of going through the Bible with you. Have a lovely Sunday every one with Jesus. Eleanor M..
Happy Birthday to Ron and Andrea.
Thank you the past two years. It’s been a joyous ride, Rev. David.
I can’t wait to begin the two-year journey again!
May God continue to bless you, your family and your ministry.
Thank you David and Norma – Jean for the last 4 years of 100 Words, I Carole have learned so much from your writings.
Thank you, Ron and Ann for your input and Reynold for your inspiring photography.
When I think of the living waters you write about it reminds me of Beverly Lowry’s song “Living Waters”
So much hope in today’s reading. “Even so come” is a song by Chris Tomlin that I have been singing in the mornings that reminds me of Revelations 22 where it repeats the invitation to come.You might find it here – https://youtu.be/S0O2LeXhx2Q
Thank you Anna for the song!
Birthday greetings to Ron and Andrea, and a huge thank you to all who assist with preparing these daily Bible readings and studies.
May the Lord bless you!!
Lord willing, I hope to participate again for the next two years.
Amen! Wilma.
Amen Wilma!
Thank you, David, and all your helpers. I so appreciate the daily messages. Looking forward to June 3. Lord willing, I will be following along.
Thank you, David, & all your family for all you do. And thank You, Lord God, for loving us, & showing Your love through Your people. Please let Your loving Spirit keep on flowing through Your people to so many more…
Amen Rob!!
Happy birthday Ron!! Thank you David M and all your helpers in putting this blog together so faithfully each day and even now preparing to do so each day for another two years, and hopefully longer! May the Lord continue to abundantly bless each of you, this ministry, and Crossroads, today, and in the days to come.
Thank you David and all that make this daily reading so special.
I so appreciate your commitment David.I am a couple years older
than you ,but certainly haven’t got the stamina ( or is it just the will)
to get up daily at such an early hour.
God bless and keep you and all of your dear family in his care.
Looking forward to the next two year reading. I have gotten so much out of your teaching. Than you and thank you!! Happy birthday Ron and Andrea. Blessings to all on this rainy morning.
Thanks for bringing the bible to life for me these past 4 years. Looking forward to the next 2 years. Bless you and your whole family of helpers.
Thank you for your obedience for posting every day. It was my answer to prayer for a long-term bible study to follow. I had never read the bible in its entirety before. I am looking forwards to the next 2 years!
Happy Birthday Ron and Andrea !!!
Thank you David for your faithfulness sharing the Bible over the last 2 years. I have enjoyed following the readings each day. I am a senior like you (just turned 80!) God bless
Thank you David and all those who helped you in this labour of love. I believe many will come to Jesus through this blog. Also, many of us will develop a much deeper relationship with Him.
Thanks so much David for your faithfulness and diligence in providing this blog each and every day. It has blessed me greatly. Thanks also to Ron and Ann who help to get it out each day. Happy Birthday as well to Ron and Andrea and may God continue to bless you richly.
Thank you again Rev. Maines for your faithfulness (& your helpers) who work so diligently to put this blog together day after day without fail. GOD bless each of you as we head into another 2 year read. Happy birthday Ron & Andrea
God Bless you on your Birthday, Ron and Andrea:)
I have just been through both 2 years with you and have been so blessed and learn more each time through. It has challenged and encouraged me to remain faithful to reading and meditating on the Word daily! Thank you and bless for your faithfulness! I intend to stick with it another 2 years Lord willing.
Thank you for your faithfulness to this ministry. I have also gone through twice and I am excited about starting our third round. I particularly enjoy your prayers and often copy them for later use. Praise God for healing you and giving you strength each day. You are an inspiration to all of us. Blessings and love to you and your beautiful family.
Happy Birthday Ron and Andrea! Words can’t express my gratitude to the whole Mainse family for being such faithful servants. THANKYOU!!!
On board for the next two years