Isaiah 9:6 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Revelation 22:12 – 17 12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14 “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. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 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.
For years people have sought everlasting life through any means possible. During early world exploration, explorers like Ponce de Leon have searched for the fountain of youth trying to keep from aging. Even today people have themselves frozen just waiting for the day when their disease will be cured, then they can be brought back to life and be healed. Christ says that he will bring the reward when he returns and that reward is everlasting life. He is the beginning of time and He is the end of time, he is the Everlasting Father.
In order to get the reward, I feel Christ is telling us to purify our spirits when he tells us to wash our robes. Once we are cleansed we’re ready to receive His spirit to lead us through our lives. When we allow this transformation to happen we will desire to increase in him and decrease ourselves. We’ll want to leave our dirt and filth behind, because that is what will keep us from the gift of life. The desire to love his children and be available to support and love all of his children not just the ones we want to love.
Christ ends this text inviting us to join him. If we desire everlasting life, then we will come to him. We will seek him and to be like him in all that we do. When we thirst for something more we should look to him and not areas that would pull us away from Him. The amazing part of this whole text is that the gift of life is free and doesn’t cost us at all. Do you want a free gift? Are you willing to pay the price to be with our Everlasting Father?
Dave P