First, we see that Jesus Himself sent His angel to bear
witness of these things to John and for the churches as
instruction, warning, and comfort. “I, Jesus” stresses the
fact that Jesus, the man who walked the earth but who is now
at God’s right hand, is the One who bears this solemn
testimony to its reality.
Second, though much of this book will occur after the church
is gone it is for us to know and understand. This
information is important to our spiritual growth. It aids
our understanding of the future and shows us where the
present world is going. It gives greater perspective for
what is important today. This should cause us all to be more
involved in reaching the lost for Christ, as our next verse,
verse 17, will show.
Please note, this is the first occurrence of the term
“church,” since chapter 3. This indicates that the church is
not in the Tribulation. Remember that chapters 6 through 19,
which deal with the Tribulation, also deal with Israel. It
is the time of Jacob’s trouble and Daniel’s 70th week. For
this reason, the church is not present or mentioned.
Third, so how does our Lord assure the facts of these
things? By who and what He is in relation to Israel and the
church, the root and offspring of David and the bright and
morning star. The word “root” may refer to a root as the
source of something or to a shoot, that which comes from a
root. The latter is the meaning here. Like a stump, Israel
as a nation was cut down and dispersed. However, Christ as a
shoot that will spring up from David, the legal heir to the
throne through Joseph and physically from David through
Mary, will fulfill all of God’s promises and covenants. He
will restore Israel to the place of blessing (Romans 11).
Following this assurance, we immediately read “and the
Spirit and the bride say, “come.” This refers to the Holy
Spirit and the church. “Come” is an invitation for men to
come to Christ. It reminds us of the concept of Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He
is near,” Psalm 32:6 “Therefore, let everyone who is godly
pray to You in a time when You may be found,” this expresses
the responsibility of believers to invite men to Christ and
of the responsibility and need of those invited to respond.
Then we read, “let the one who hears.” This refers to any
person who really hears the message of this book. The effect
of this hearing should be a desire to reach others for
Christ. The final clause of the verse refers to anyone who
wants the life that our Lord seeks to offer. The invitation
to come and take is an urgent command for the day will
arrive when it is too late. Now is a day of grace, but a day
of judgment is imminent and impending. Though multitudes can
and will come to Christ during the Tribulation, it will
still be a day when receiving Jesus Christ and being a
believer will be the most difficult in man’s history.
