Day 365 

Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150; Proverbs 31:25-31

The Final Word, Come!

The juxtaposition of the last chapter of the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, and the last chapter of the New Testament, Revelation, highlights two distinct comings of The Lord.

Malachi anticipates the return of an Elijah prophet, who we now recognize as John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 11:13-14; Luke 1:13-17):

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” – Malachi 4:5

Like so many in his day, John the Baptist anticipated that the coming of The Lord would be in judgment on the rebellious peoples of the world. Instead, the dreadful day of The Lord was manifest in great judgment on The Lord Himself. The Lion of Judah came as the sacrificial Lamb of God to bear the sins of the world on His person in the giving of His own life on the cross.

The Revelation reading also announces a coming Day of The Lord. It, too, holds out awesome and dreadful judgment on the unrepentant and evildoer (22:15). However, in light of the Messiah’s first coming, there is also a wonderful and gracious invitation which, if received in faith and obedience, will result in glorious salvation on that day.

The invitation of grace is offered:

“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.” – Revelation 22:14

Have you washed your sin-stained robes in the blood of the Lamb? He is inviting you to do so now. And again, the offer is made to you:

“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.” – Revelation 22:17

The Lord’s desire for you is that you would find the source and fountain of life in Him. That is the singular invitation of the Bible. God has removed every barrier to us that would keep us from living in Him and for Him. He is offering us the tree of life and the water of life as gifts.

All that remains is for us to respond to His initiative–to come to the one who is coming. He loves us, He loves you! Are you thirsty for God and His life? Will you come and drink deeply at His gracious invitation?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for first coming in grace and humility as the Lamb so that I may stand before you in your grace at your second coming as the Lion. Wash my sins away by the blood of Jesus; please grant me the right to eat of the tree of life. I come to you, Lord; fill my thirsty heart with your Holy Spirit. Draw me into the fellowship of your church, your bride. Please grant me the gift to drink from the water of life. Thank you, Lord.
Amen, come, Lord Jesus!

The Rev. Charlie Holt