Rev 22: 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come*~!”And let the one who hears say*~: “Come!“*~ And let the one who is thirsty come*~; let the one who wants it take*~ the water of life free of charge.
The Holy Spirit through the bride, that is the church, extends a threefold invitation. Anyone who hears this incredibly gracious offer is commanded to urgently and immediately extend the invitation to the thirsty and whoever wants to taste of the water of life. The Spirit says through the bride—-that is, the church—-“Come!” not as an optional invitation to consider but as a decisive invitation/command to obey immediately, knowing that time is short and the end is going to come suddenly, at which time the offer will end.
The aorist command means to “urgently decide to say,” “advise or affirm.” Everyone who hears of this invitation is commanded to share it. To hear means more than just to listen, but to obey it personally.
God’s great concern is that everyone would hear of His grace, yet only a few are telling it to others. Those who know the truth are silent. Are they ashamed to be identified with Christ?
Through the Scriptures, the Spirit speaks through the church members to the thirsty of the world and to those who want to know the truth, if only someone would tell them. The power of the gospel (Rom 1:16) begins to work when His people begin to obey the command to say, “Come to Christ now.” The power of the gospel is evident in illuminating the darkened mind, convicting the sinner of his lostness, and drawing the spirit of the unbeliever to want to know Christ. We can trust in the power of the gospel.
The thirsty and the seekers of truth will be drawn to His gracious offer. Jesus promised the “water of life” to the Samaritan woman (Jn 4:10–-15). He told the Pharisees, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scriptures has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (7:37), but they were neither thirsty nor willing.
Is it a coincidence that the first command Jesus gave after the resurrection—-“Go quickly and tell” (Matt 28:7)—-is similar to His last command for the church: “Say [urgently], ‘Come’”?
“Oh, how You have satisfied my soul. Thank You for filling my deepest needs and accepting me without conditions even though I am so unworthy.”