I am going to be real and admit something about the Book of Revelation that really appealed to me.
John, who was exiled to the Island of Patmos, was an original apostle. However, he is the ONLY one who did not die a martyr’s death.
When I realized that, I signed up on the dotted line for his type of natural death. I told the Lord “I don’t think I am martyr material.”
Since then I’ve reconsidered. I don’t say this lightly or without consideration, but I now pray that I would be willing to die a martyr’s death for my faith. I cannot imagine ever denying the Lord who has been my all and given me His all.
I won’t fool you with some bravado stance, because I am not that fearless, but that is my desire. Yielding to the Lord and trusting Him seems to be a better than picking my manner of death, as if from a menu.
Ok, now that’s taken care of. Now, for the content of the Book.
I know some people who, when they begin reading a book, actually read the ending first. I find it rather curious. Why spoil the buildup and the suspense?
Well, if one does read the end of this Book, we know it ends well.
In that same Chapter, the Bride of Christ, (which is all believers), responds to Jesus’ declarations, with the Spirit saying, “Come!”
It may be hard for some to wrap their minds around the fact that we are His Bride (perhaps even more so for the guys). The fact calls us to go beyond our analytical thinking into a faith filled response.
Our Lord is passionate towards us. He died for us. He has never left us or forsaken us. He is for us when others are against us. He protects us. He gives us a hope and a future. He is our best cheerleader and comforter and encourager. He IS the Lover of our Souls.
I love to go to weddings. Even though I am way beyond the age of getting married, WAIT!!! I AM married (sorry Hon!). I still like to look at Bridal Books, the gowns, the flowers and the decorations. I know the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be more spectacular than any earthly wedding could ever be
I had a funny thought. The rage for weddings these days are destination weddings. There is not a more perfect destination and there is not a wedding planner alive who can rival the scenery, the ambience or the promised perfection of the day that the Lord has planned.
Lastly, as I read the beginning of Revelation, in preparation to writing this, I was struck with something I hadn’t considered before.
The Lord speaks to the Seven Churches, which I believe relate to the church of today, He speaks like a loving Father would. For all but one, He mentions their strengths, and again for all but one, He speaks of their weaknesses.
Isn’t that just like a Father to encourage us with what we do right, while at the same time pointing out where we need to improve? It’s clear and concise. It has the tone of “I love you, you please me, but these are the places that need your attention”
It’s a case of “Father REALLY knows best”
I know have highlighted a lot of things that I have some understanding of. I join many of you who have read the jarring, weird and disturbing parts and shake my head and say “Huh???”
I wonder what John thought as he saw what he saw and then penned it?
Perhaps “OK folks, I am just here reporting as an eyewitness!”
Consider this. We too have things that we DO know about the Lord through our relationship with Him that would cause some to, “they are really weird” (remember, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is like foolishness unto man)
Virgin birth?
Need for a Savior?
Jesus died on the cross for our sins?
Throw all that in the Noah’s Ark, Jonah in the whale, the Walls of Jericho falling down and the Red Sea etc...
In the end….
and at the end…
I ask...
“Do I trust the promises of God?”
"Do I trust the One who promised?"
1 comment:
He laid his right hand upon me. What a comfort.
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