Living Water #608

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 608 || 2ND FEBRUARY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

CLEAN ROBES AND OPEN GATES

Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:14–16 “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. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ‘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.’”

Brothers and Sister, Today, the Spirit brings us to the final invitation and the final warning. As the gates of the New Jerusalem come into view, we are reminded that eternity is not a generic destination for all, but a holy habitation for the redeemed. Jesus Himself steps forward in these closing verses to sign His name to the prophecy, revealing His identity and the requirements for entry. We are standing at the threshold of the end, where mercy and justice meet.

1. The Condition for the Kingdom: The final "beatitude" of the Bible is not about personal merit, but about divine cleansing. To "wash one's robes" is a vivid image of repentance and faith in the blood of the Lamb. We do not enter the Holy City because we are naturally clean; we enter because we have been washed. This washing grants two specific privileges: the right to the tree of life (sustenance) and entry through the gates (access). Citizenship in heaven is a gift received through a transformed life.

2. The Reality of Exclusion: "Outside are the dogs..."The beauty of the City is contrasted with the tragedy of the "outside." Scripture is clear: God’s holiness cannot coexist with unrepentant sin. The list provided; magic arts, immorality, murder, idolatry, and falsehood; represents a heart that has rejected the lordship of Christ. To "love and practice falsehood" is the ultimate tragedy; it is to prefer a lie over the Truth. Heaven is not just a place of peace; it is a place of purity. Those who cling to their filth cannot enter the fountain of life.

3. The Credentials of the King: "I am the Root and the Offspring of David..."

Jesus provides His divine resume to validate the message. As the Root, He is the Creator and source of David’s life; as the Offspring, He is the human heir to the throne. He is both the Lord of history and the fulfillment of every promise made to Israel. He encompasses all of time; from the ancient roots of the covenant to the future hope of the kingdom. When He speaks, all of Scripture finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Him.

4. The Herald of the New Day:  The "Morning Star" is the star that appears in the darkest hour, just before the sun rises. Jesus identifies Himself as the herald of a new day. For the believer, this world's "night" is almost over. The appearance of the Morning Star means that the shadows of pain, sin, and death are about to be swallowed up by the eternal light of God. Seeing Jesus for who He is changes how we endure the darkness; we know the dawn is inevitable.

Living with Clean Robes

Revelation 22:14–16 demands a self-examination. We cannot claim to love the "Morning Star" while continuing to walk in the deeds of the night. To be ready for the City is to live a life of ongoing "washing", continually returning to the grace of God to ensure our hearts are aligned with His holiness.

The gates are open today, but they will not stay open forever. The invitation is inclusive, anyone can wash, but the entrance is exclusive, only the washed may enter. Let your life be a reflection of the City you are traveling toward. Do not settle for the "outside" when the Tree of Life is within reach.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You are the bright Morning Star, my hope in the dark. I come before You today to wash my robes in Your precious blood. Purify my heart from all falsehood, idolatry, and immorality. Grant me the grace to live as a citizen of the New Jerusalem even while I am on earth. I recognize You as my Root and my King. Keep me faithful until the day the gates open and I see Your face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.