Author: Wick

In our scripture this past week was a verse that opens up some discussion on “faith vs. works”. Ephesians 2:8-9 remind us that it is by faith we’ve been saved, not by works, so that no one may boast.  But the words we read in Revelation 22:12 seem unfamiliar in a land that has lost the value of works:

“See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work.” Rev. 22:12

Now, just in “Googling” the verse, I found some popular explanations out there already.  One take, was that this verse is related to John 6:29, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him who he has sent.”  That our “work” is simply to believe.  Which meshes well with the “saved by faith” message we are preaching.  But it seems to extract that verse alone is to cheapen the dialogue Jesus was having with His followers.  They’re wanting to do great things for God, and ask how they can go about doing them.  Jesus points out that it’s God actually doing the miraculous things, that all they need to do is believe, and the great things will be accomplished as they live.  But this simple explanation and dismissal also seems to be missing something.

When we look at the Greek, the literal translation of Rev. 22:12 becomes, “behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me to give to each one as the work of him is.”

The word used for “as” here is “hos” (sounds like “host” without the “t”). As you can see in the word list on that link, nowhere in the KJV, and only 2 places in the NAS is this word translated as “according”.  So what does that mean about the verse we’re looking at?  That perhaps it’s less about being “results/payment for work that was done”, and more simply about being very much connected. 

This past Sunday, Pastor Gerry reminded us of something important.  This is “my reward” (Jesus speaking).  It is not our reward that Jesus is giving us for something we’ve done.  When my oldest daughter Addie comes to me, and asks me for a drink for her sister who is thirsty, it is MY reward to be able to give her what she’s asked me for.

We talk about “Kingdom work” all the time.  That these things we’re doing are somehow connected to what God began in Jesus Christ, and promises to bring to completion.  So it makes sense that in talking about Jesus bringing about New Heaven/New Earth, and bringing in a New Jerusalem; Jesus would consider it HIS reward to be able to give to us the fulfillment of everything we’ve been working toward.

This verse is a reminder that these things we’re doing are somehow connected to the fulfillment of God making all things new.  That God isn’t going to scrap all the work we’ve done, the things that have been made new, the love we’ve developed, the fellowship and beauty and artistic life filled things that exist – they will all somehow be involved in what Jesus considers His reward to bring about.

May we continue our Kingdom work with that knowledge…

Over this past week, our church heard from Revelation 21:10 through 22:5.  Within those verses, is verse 21:27, speaking of the New Jerusalem.  It says, “nothing unclean will enter it”.  That seems like a pretty factual statement, and one worth knowing more about…especially if we desire to enter that city someday.

The Greek word used here is “Koinos“.  Its meaning is pretty obvious and straightforward.  “Common, ordinary, belonging to generality; unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean.”

When looking at the word, however, a larger word came to mind.  Many of us have even heard of this word, often used as a catchy name for a Sunday School or Small Group.  The word, “Koinonia“, meaning fellowship, community, joint participation, intimacy, etc.  “Koinonia”  comes from “Koinonos“, which means partner, associate, comrade, or companion.  “Koinonos” comes from “Koinos” mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Just looking at this two words then, it would seem “Koinonia” might not be a great thing to be involved in. “Fellowship of unclean”?

Then we go one step further to find out what the root of the word “Koinos” might be.  The word “soon“, which simply means “with”.  At the very root of all of this is a simple word that connects one thing to another.  Not good or bad, simply offering a relational signifier.

What we often mean – “Dear Jesus, save me from burning in hell, and help my life to make more sense.  Make me successful.  Give me super-healing powers from sickness.  Bring purpose into the road that I’m already on, and help it to smooth out a bit.”

Heard a quote from a book I’m reading this past week.  It’s from Francis Chan’s “Forgotten God”.  Chan says, “Jesus Christ did not die on the cross in order to follow us.”

So often we join our Israelite fathers in forgetting why God offers what He does.  They often missed the point, assuming God’s presence was with them for their own sake alone.  We do the same thing, assuming God offers to transform our heart and life simply for our own benefit.  How often to we pray, “God, please help me with this thing I’m about to do?” compared to how often we seek where God is working, and join in?

Salvation is a prayer that says – “God, forgive me.  Come and fill me.  Transform my nature to yours, for your sake.  Use me in the lives of others, and in creation, bringing about life, Love, forgiveness, mercy, etc.  I want to make all things “new” with you.”  (although even this prayer falls a bit short, by focusing quite a bit on “me”. In reality, our salvation is only a small part of the amazingly huge thing God is doing, that we join with.)

We make plans, and ask God to bless them.  We arrange our lives, and then ask God to come and fill it.  We launch our ships, and on the way we pray that God would fill our sails.

What if it was our nature to pray and seek where God is at work first?  Where is God bringing healing?  Where is God giving life?  Where is mercy being offered?  Where is humanity and creation being restored and made new?  Where are prisoners being set free?  Where are blind being made to see?  Where are the lame walking, and the mute speaking?

Those questions lead to others.  Where does God desire to work?  Where is brokenness?  Where is death?  Where are the offenders?  Where are suffering humans, and imperfections in them and creation?  Where are the captives?  Where are the blind?  Where are the lame?  Where are those who have no voice?

May we find those places, and pray that God would empower us to join in…