What does Revelation 22:17 mean?

What does Revelation 22:17 mean
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And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. — Revelation 22:17 KJV

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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 NIV
 

Reflection on Verse for Today

This verse as conclusion to the the entire Biblical canon encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith—an invitation to come to God freely without reservation and without precondition.

Firstly, the “Spirit and the bride” offer a dual calling. The Spirit represents God’s outreach, His active seeking of us, while “the bride,” symbolizing the Church, embodies the community of believers who echo this invitation. This dual summons highlights that God’s invitation is both vertical, between us and God, and horizontal, within the community of faith. We are all, collectively and individually, beckoned to experience the living water, which is Jesus Christ (John 4:14).

Secondly, the invitation is not restricted to a select few; it is universal—”let the one who hears say, ‘Come!'” Hearing, in this context, is more than mere auditory perception. It signifies a deeper level of understanding and openness to the message of the Gospel. The word “come” is a simple yet powerful imperative. It embodies hope, freedom, and an open door. It also implies a journey, one where you move closer to God. And as we hear this invitation, we too are encouraged to become inviters, extending this call to others.

Thirdly, the verse talks about thirst—a powerful metaphor for our spiritual longing. Just as physical thirst drives us to seek water, our spiritual thirst propels us toward God. Importantly, God doesn’t ask for payment or a precondition; the gift of the water of life is “free.” This mirrors the grace of God—unmerited, unconditional, and freely given through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Finally, taking the “free gift of the water of life” is an action that signifies accepting God’s invitation wherein it is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Once we take this free gift we are also entrusted with the task of extending the same invitation to others, to say to the world, “Come!”

As Christians, this Bible verse serves as both an assurance and a challenge for us today—an assurance of God’s unfailing love and open invitation, and a challenge to be both recipients and extenders of this invitation to a world that is thirsty for the water of life.

So, when we ponder this profound Bible verse, may we hear the Spirit and the bride saying, “Come!” May we quench our spiritual thirst by accepting the free gift, and may we turn and extend the invitation to others, that they too may come and drink freely from the water of life. Amen.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, today as I meditate on the Bible verse Revelation 22:17, my spirit rejoices in Your boundless love and generosity. This verse is a living proof to Your open invitation for all of humanity to come closer to You. I am humbled and grateful for the Spirit’s constant call and the echoing response of the bride, Your Church.

Lord, in the depth of my being, I am thirsty. I yearn for the true essence of life, for the spiritual connection that only You can provide. Like a parched wanderer in the desert seeks water, my soul seeks the eternal water of life that You freely offer. Thank You for granting us this free gift, a symbol of Your boundless grace.

But, Father, I recognize that the message of this Bible verse isn’t solely for me even today. It’s an invitation for all, and a call for me to share this gift with others. Imbue me with Your Spirit, enabling me to confidently echo the call of “Come!” to those around me. Equip me to be a beacon of Your love and grace, inviting others into Your embrace.

Lord, attune my ears to discern the silent cries of the spiritually thirsty, and embolden me to extend to them Your heartfelt invitation. May my life be a testament to Your undying love and grace, drawing others towards the refreshing waters of life You offer.

As I journey forth, continuously remind me of the promise in this Bible verse. In every season of my life, whether of joy, doubt, or grief, may I always feel the Spirit and the bride’s invitation, saying, “Come!”

I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

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