Revelation – Jesus IS Coming Back!
As children who grew up as “lifers” in God’s church, who believe without doubt that Jesus died for us and will be coming back for His own, this revelation is not a threat but a glimpse of God’s love for us. His vision to John relates the consequences of the sin of humans but also relates what will happen to those who don’t give in to the worship of humans and don’t give up on God, the Father who must do what He says He will do. We stand on the promises of God. We learn more, grow more and go and tell others. Together, we may not (and will not) understand all the implications of this revelation with word pictures of the “last days” of this earth but we know without a doubt that Jesus IS indeed coming back and that God is in control of the events and circumstances. We are now seeing the results of sin but will see much worse even thought we wonder, some days, how can it get much worse.
Today I am camping on the last words in this passage from Jesus to John and to us who believe…”You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” Yes, this message is sweet and easy to eat but the work to tell it, to get others to believe in Jesus is hard. Remember Jesus didn’t promise “easy”. It will wound our hearts for loved ones to reject their salvation offered by Jesus. Those who fight to reject life will be sarcastic and find fault in our imperfect ways. That’s easy for them because not one of is perfect–only perfectly forgiven! We will be mocked and criticized with every move we make to tell it, live it and show it, but oh, it will be worth it all when we see Christ. These are thoughts I have this morning.Read and be encouraged…remember read knowing this is about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Revelation 10, The Message
1-4 I saw another powerful Angel coming down out of Heaven wrapped in a cloud. There was a rainbow over his head, his face was sun-radiant, his legs pillars of fire. He had a small book open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on land, then called out thunderously, a lion roar. When he called out, the Seven Thunders called back. When the Seven Thunders spoke, I started to write it all down, but a voice out of Heaven stopped me, saying, “Seal with silence the Seven Thunders; don’t write a word.”
5-7 Then the Angel I saw astride sea and land lifted his right hand to Heaven and swore by the One Living Forever and Ever, who created Heaven and everything in it, earth and everything in it, sea and everything in it, that time was up—that when the seventh Angel blew his trumpet, which he was about to do, the Mystery of God, all the plans he had revealed to his servants, the prophets, would be completed.8-11 The voice out of Heaven spoke to me again: “Go, take the book held open in the hand of the Angel astride sea and earth.” I went up to the Angel and said, “Give me the little book.” He said, “Take it, then eat it. It will taste sweet like honey, but turn sour in your stomach.” I took the little book from the Angel’s hand and it was sweet honey in my mouth, but when I swallowed, my stomach curdled. Then I was told, “You must go back and prophesy again over many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
I love you with all my heart, mind and soul. Be our strength and tenaciousness in knowing, telling and living your message today and always…until You come.
In Jesus Name, Amen
