December 13, 2017
The book of Revelation can be understood as having three divisions. Jesus instructed the apostle John to “write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (Rev. 1:19). Revelation 4:1 begins the “things which must take place after” section, which is the third and future section. Beginning in chapter four, John writes from a heavenly perspective having been called up to heaven by the “first voice,” which belonged to Jesus, whose voice sounded “like a trumpet” (see Rev. 1:10-11).
Jesus drew back the curtain, unveiling the last days to John from heaven’s viewpoint. He did this to encourage believers to be faithful, watchful and confident that the Lord is sovereign and coming again.
December 12, 2017
Jesus’ letter to the Laodicean church warned them of depending on worldly wealth rather than spiritual power. This church is representative of many in America and the Western world that depend on human methods and material wealth, rather than prayer and spiritual power. Like the Laodicean church, they are in danger of being “lukewarm” in their dependence on the Lord. Yet, when the Lord sees them, they don’t appear rich, but “poor, blind, and naked.”
There is no church in Laodicea today, only ruins. Let us take heed. Let us pray that the Lord would make us rich in Him, seeing His direction and clothed in His power.
December 11, 2017
The book of Revelation opens with seven letters to seven churches written by the apostle John on behalf of Jesus. They were addressed to the “angel” of each church. The word “angel” might also be translated “messenger,” as each letter would be expected to be read aloud by a messenger to the church, who was most likely that church’s pastor.
Each letter followed a similar outline:
1) Place to. (In this case, Thyatira, the ruins of which lie in the modern city of Akhisar, Turkey.)
2) Person from. (In every case, Jesus. To the church at Thyatira He is the omniscient judge, with “eyes of fire” and “feet of brass.”)
3) Praise given. (Jesus commended Thyatira for their “works” saying “the last are more than the first.”)
4) Problem named. (Thyatira was “allowing” or tolerating false teaching from a woman named “Jezebel.”)
5) Prescription given. (“Hold fast” until Jesus returns.)
6) Promise offered. (God would give them authority. After all this is what they had lost with their tolerance of Jezebel.)
Christ’s letter to the church at Thyatira is a warning to any church that makes tolerance their main doctrine and therefore gives up the authority of God’s Word.
December 30, 2016
John heard a voice from the throne of heaven make this promise to the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem come down, which is the Church. Most of us remember our mothers wiping away our tears and gently replacing them with a kiss of her lips and a whispered comfort in our ears. The Lord will do this for His children, yet not only wiping away their tears, but actually taking away the death and pain which caused them. The former things will pass away. The sinfulness of humanity which brought suffering and death into God’s creation will be no more. “Behold!” The One seated on the throne declares, “I am making all things new!”
As you look back on this past year and look forward to the new, meditate on these things. Let Jesus wipe away your tears and whisper life in your ears.
December 28, 2016
John saw the curtains of heaven drawn back and Christ making His triumphal entry. The former entry that Jesus made into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was a foreshadowing of this. On that day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, coming as the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. Yet, John saw a day coming when Christ would appear riding on a white stallion as the Lord of lords and King of kings, sent to judge and make war against those who have rebelled against God and rejected His Son. Jesus has already won the victory against sin and Satan on the cross. The final skirmish will soon be here.
December 27, 2016
“Another” voice called out, perhaps the voice of Christ to His people. He warned them, like the angel who told Lot to get out of Sodom, to come out of Babylon. Many have offered opinions as to the identity of Babylon, but the most convincing view is that it represents a future worldwide government, economy and religion. The warning from heaven to come out of Babylon included a two-part reason:
(1) “Lest you take part in her sins” – Those who continue to live in Babylon will be tempted to indulge in her sins.
(2) “Lest you share in her plagues” – Those who stay in Babylon after the Lord’s warning, will experience the plagues that follow.
Although this speaks of the end times, this two-part warning can still help guide believers today. If you are in a situation that continually tempts you to sin, come out. Leave Babylon before you take part in her sins and share in her plagues.
December 26, 2016
The book of Revelation speaks of a time when there will be a united world government and world religion ( called “Babylon”) that will “make war” against the followers of Jesus (“the Lamb”). But they will not prevail, for when Jesus returns, He will come as “Lord of lords and King of kings.” No nation nor power will be able to stand against Him. Nor will they be able to overcome His followers, who are …
(1) “Called” – They have heard the gospel call of Christ and have believed, confessing Him as Lord and Savior.
(2) “Chosen” – Having answered the call of the gospel, they realize that they were first chosen by the Father before they ever knew Him and that they have been adopted into His family.
(3) “Faithful” – They will persevere in the faith because they are sealed with the Holy Spirit who keeps them through all things.
When things in the world seem to come against the followers of Christ, stay awake and stand firm! For these things must come. And remember to rejoice, for Christ has already overcome the world!
December 25, 2016
Advent means “coming.” On this Christmas day we celebrate and remember Christ’s coming unto us in the city of David as Savior and Lord. Yet, this day should also remind us that He is coming again. So, let us look back to celebrate His first coming while also staying awake to look forward for His soon return. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2016
Those who will come to faith in Jesus as the Messiah during the tribulation will sing a song of Moses and a song of the Lamb. These are Messianic Jews. The song of Moses may refer to the song that the Israelites sang in Exodus 15, a song of deliverance from Egypt. However, now they have believed in the Messiah of whom Moses was only a type. So, they also sing a song of the Lamb, celebrating the One who is both Savior and King. The ones singing this song of Moses and of the Lamb are the focus of the Great Tribulation. For while the seven years of tribulation are a time of judgment, they are also a time of great revival among the Jews who finally embrace Jesus as the Lamb of God. For some of us, the only way to get us to consider faith in Jesus, is to go through a time of tribulation. Many of us have to hit bottom before we will ever look up.
December 23, 2016
John saw an angel flying with the “eternal gospel” proclaiming it to everyone on earth during the time of tribulation. Even as the great majority of humanity had chosen to follow the antichrist, God still made sure the good news was heard, so that they were without excuse. This gospel is “eternal” because… (from Barnes Notes)
(1) “its great truths have always existed.”
(2) “it will forever remain unchanged.”
(3) “its effects will be everlasting” for those who believe.
It is this “eternal gospel” that God has given in order to rescue us from sin, separation and death.