Years ago when I was a mother to one, I heard a devotional that urged us to read through the Bible for each of our children.  This caught my heart and I have done it for each of my four; filling their margins with notes to them that the text suggested.

Now today marks the 7^th time I’ve read through the Bible cover-to-cover.  The word of God is truly living and active (Heb. 4:12).  The Holy Spirit teaches me new things every time I read it as I am a different person each time.  My age and stage and experiences have changed since last I read, and God is always faithful to speak to me according to my need.

Today, at the end of God’s Revelation to John…by the time I get through all the horrors of the Last Days (Revelation 8-16) and arrive at Revelation 22, I am almost on my feet, cheering.  For the Redeemed, Revelation 22 is the best ending to any book you’ll ever read:

Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”  Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

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.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!  (vv. 12-14, 17, 20)

[Illustration: Ron DiCianni]