Since January of this year, we have been studying the book of Revelation. It has been an incredible journey into the picture book that completes the Bible - the story of God’s rescue plan with Jesus as our hero. Throughout our study, we have praised the Lord, cheered the saints, detested the beast, and longed for the final victory.
John has given us a glimpse of the final events of God’s rescue plan. In Chapters 2 & 3, we read the letters to the 12 churches where we saw God’s heart towards His people. Not only does He address each church individually, we see how much He sees them and knows them, just as He sees and knows us individually. In chapters 4-18 we read about the time of Judgment (The Tribulation) through the breaking of the seven seals, the seven trumpets blowing, and the pouring of seven bowls. Even through all the pain and suffering, we saw God giving all those who had denied Him a chance to turn to Him before the ultimate end. Fortunately, in Revelation 19-22, we see that Christ wins! He destroys evil and makes all things new for those who have accepted Him.
Along this journey, we have been encouraged and our hearts strengthened to live in the present because we know what will happen in the future. During this time of COVID-19, we are all wondering how bad things might get before they get better. Maybe you are needing hope in the midst of all of the uncertainty. Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What an incredible day that will be when … Revelation 22:5 tells us, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.” When our eyes behold the new heaven and new earth, it will make the difficult times we had here on earth fall away in the presence of our Savior.
It is only fitting that we finished our journey through Revelation on Easter Sunday. Remember that His come back over death and the grave is to give you a comeback over fear, depression, anger loss and more. When you come to Jesus, you can rest assured that no matter where your journey leads you, you will never be alone.
This Week: Spend some time alone with God thanking Him for His great love for you and His promise that He will come again. Read and meditate on Romans 8:31-38 and consider how great is God’s love for you.
-Dr. J