“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” – Revelation 22:17
Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-21
All who are in Christ Jesus, who’ve been redeemed and washed by His blood, are in the church and indwelt with the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 5, Paul points out that the church is the bride of Christ and that husband-and-wife relationships are analogies of that blessed reality. Christ is the groom and the church is His bride.
But this is brought out more fully in the book of Revelation. Revelation is a comforting book written to encourage the militant church as we struggle in this world against our enemies, against the forces of evil. God hears our prayers, sees our tears, and has given us His Spirit. Christ is on the throne and His victory is assured. And He is governing in the interest of His church, His bride. He will come again to take us to Himself where we will enjoy the “marriage supper of the Lamb.” We will live with Him forever in the new heavens and the new earth.
In the final chapter of Revelation Jesus promises that He is coming. Three times He says, “I am coming soon” (vv. 7, 12, 20). It’s not surprising that the church, the bride, longs for Jesus’ return. The bride therefore says, “Come.” And we’re also told that the Spirit says, “Come.” In fact, I think it is fair to say that the Spirit moves the bride to say, “Come.” What a comfort to know that our longing to be with Jesus is the Spirit’s longing as well! And no wonder. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ, and that Spirit dwells in you!
Suggestions for prayer
Give thanks again that the Holy Spirit has made His home in you. Join the Spirit in praying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.”
Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
