Revelation – Jesus is Coming Back
What do we say to our kids when we want them to behave at home, in the car or in public situations that will be a test for them? Be good. Keep doing good and we might get a treat. Right? Reward comes after being good through obedience.
Now, consider the kids point of view. From the kids perspective we know (from being kids ourselves) that most are always looking to see where the eyes of the parents are focused. If eyes are not on them at the moment then their behavior will explore the limits of what they think they can get away with at the time. Kids really think that “mom and dad never know” what they cannot see. Mm.
Is that our relationship with God? Are we good as long as we know He is looking? We have a very immature idea of who God is if we think we will get by with bad behavior that treats others unkindly, loves only those who love us back, or holds back blessings to others because of our own selfishness. Like our kids’ view of things, we think we can hide from God things displeasing to Him. But that is not Truth. “…watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan–watch as I strip off their pretensions…” Yikes! Our behavior must match what we say we believe…not matter what. God is watching. Always.Does this scare us? It shouldn’t. There is nothing to worry about if we are following Jesus in obedience to God, our Father. In fact, there comes a reward. “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon…” Yes, the big test is coming. All the little tests and pop quizzes of life prepare us for the final. Will we “keep a grip on what we have”? That’s up to us. The reward is our forever home praising God in a permanent position in His sanctuary. Wow!
“I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon.” –Jesus
Revelation 3, The Message
To Philadelphia
7 Write this to Philadelphia, to the Angel of the church. The Holy, the True—David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open—speaks:
8 “I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.
9 “And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan—watch as I strip off their pretensions and they’re forced to acknowledge it’s you that I’ve loved.
10 “Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.11 “I’m on my way; I’ll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.
12 “I’ll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I’ll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God’s City—the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven—and my new Name.
13 “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.”
Yes, God is always watching and aware and holds us accountable for our actions, but that is a good thing, not a scary thing. Like parents who love their kids and correct them because they want the best for them, He loves us even more! Because of His Presence in our lives, he knows us by name, cherishes us and provides what we need at just the right time….because we keep His Word as our focus. His love is unchanging, never ending. We are His, He is our Father, forever. How blessed we are to be HIS kids!
Dear Heavenly Father,
My heart belongs to You. Thank you for saving my soul through the work of Jesus. I mess up, take missteps in judgments at times but you pick me up, dust me off and show me the right path to walk. Thank you for your love, care…and the tests that help me to grow and mature in your love. Thank you for keeping your eyes on me as I focus on You.
In Jesus Name, Amen
