Revelation 22:8-11 (NKJV) 8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.
9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”
V8 “Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.” This is a firsthand witness. John clearly states that he saw and heard these things (the whole book of Revelation). He was so overwhelmed by it all that, again, he bowed down before the angel. It is interesting that he admits his error.
V9 “Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” The angel is quick to correct him, “Do not do this.” The reason? They are 1) I’m your fellow servant, 2) also of your brethren the prophets (of Israel), and 3) those who hold this revelation and its truths (I believe). This book is the Book of Revelation.
V10 “And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” This Revelation is to be disseminated to everyone, not just a certain class of pastors, priests, etc. It is for us today.
V11 “He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” At that time of fulfillment, the fates are determined. Those who are unjust remain so. Those who are filthy (defiled by sins) remain so. Those who are righteous (by the blood of the Lamb applied by our faith in Jesus) remain so. Those who are holy (separated to do God’s will) remain so. Being separated to do God’s will is to obey the Scriptures, have the worldview, lifestyle, rules, etc., that Jesus taught us (Matthew 28:19-20—make disciples).
We learn:
- God’s words are faithful and true; we should strive with God’s assisting grace to do the same.
- The angel is a servant; we are also, so let us be faithful.
Questions:
- Do we worship God alone?
- Do we read and study the Book of Revelation?