SCRIPTURE: Revelation 22:12-21
OBSERVATION:
This is Jesus’ personal message of encouragement for His followers as they go through trials and persecution. Hang on, I am in control of the beginning and the end, and everything in between. Your oppressors will not have the upperhand forever. Trust me, I am coming soon! Don’t let anyone mess with this message, for its purpose is to help and comfort you, not to make life harder for you.
APPLICATION:
I see many of the ‘theories’ that assemble these visions into complicated systems of dates and applications (like a jigsaw puzzle), and that divide believers into conflicting camps (pre/post/amillenial, rapture, etc.) as examples of adding to the message. The basic message is: I am in control, hang on and trust me, things are unfolding according to plan. I try not to get bogged down or worried about the details, the gist of the message is plain.
PRAYER:
Lord, I get the message, to hang on and not give up, to trust You and Your unfolding plan. Remind me of this when I am going through my own tough times, so that even if the details are perplexing, I dwell on the basic truth behind it all. Amen.
Once again we hear that the Lord is coming soon in judgement. All those washed in the river of life may enter the city of God since they are part of the tree of life. This is a free gift, open to anyone who hears and drinks of the life giving water. The Lord our God is coming soon as He has promised. God is great and God is good. In the meantime, I must daily live standing on those promises of God. The end is secure. God’s Word is true. All I need to do from day to day is focus on the Light, the living water, the Morning Star to guide me along the way as the wise men of old were guided by the star. Then I too will be truly wise – rooted in Him drinking deep of the water of life from the river of life. Continue to be my Guardian and Guide and Encourager this day, Lord, as I live for Jesus.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.