The Last Word

Bible Reading: Revelation 10-22

Scripture
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 122:12-21)

Observation 

Today's selection of reading crosses the finish line for our year-long journey.  In the reading we celebrate the victory of God over the enemy, the thousand-year reign, the judgement of Satan.  Then the dead are resurrected and all are sorted according to who's name is written in the Lambs book of life.

But wait, there's more!  God declares "I am making everything new!" And so he creates a new heaven and a new earth.  This earth has no sea.  (To make room for all who have their names written in the lambs book of life?)  Then he shows John New Jerusalem.  And just like the ark, the tabernacle, and the temples of old, this new dwelling place of God has been lovingly described.  The bible calls it "The bride" and invites all who stay to the wedding feast.

Finally, John steps aside and holds open the temporal curtain so that Jesus can speak directly to us.  The last words in the bible are an invitation to come and warning not to change or take away anything written within.  It's His last chance to speak to us through his written word to all nations, and He says "I am coming soon!"

There is so much here.  So much more than I can unpack in one devotional.  (And honestly, my personal understanding of the book of revelation is elementary)  Here's what I know in broad strokes though:  He promises to hold all of us to account for the things we've done.  No one escapes it - not even Satan.  And when the old accounts are settled, he's going to give us our reward.

Application

How then do we live?  Who should we fear?  What is important?

God wrote it all down through prophets and apostles so that we would have a template.  He gave us history, to learn from our past.  He gave us books of wisdom so we could learn from each other.  He gave us prophesy to learn to trust what he said as the truth.  He even gave us a peek at the end so we could not say we didn't know what his purpose was.  He's laid all his cards on the table and said his final word on the subject.

The only question left is when.   When will this happen?  Here is what Jesus said about it:

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father.37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

(Matt. 24:36-44)

Prayer

Lord, I pray a blessing on your word, that it doesn't return void, but accomplishes what you designed it to do.  Come soon!

Bad Habits

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1-3,  Jude 1

Scripture

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 1:3-10)

Observation

This set of verses address our effectiveness as Christians once we've been saved.  All of us have stories of people who claim to be Christian, but then don't act very Christ-like.

What is the foul up?  How  is it that we can say the prayer and really mean it, but not show it in our lives?

Great Question!  It's one that's reflected and explored in Romans chapters 8-9 when Paul says "What I don't want to do, this I keep on doing!"  This isn't a radical thought, it's reflected in many other places in scripture, Rom, 12:2 says "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.   Paul addresses this in Philippians 2:12-13, when he says "Work out your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God who causes you to will and to act according to his good purpose."  The whole "working out" part is this the practical application of God's character into our nature.  Jesus said that we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry" (James 1:19) and this is the critical moment where we hold our own gut reaction and on purpose exchange that sinful part of our nature, and submit it to the Lord.  2 Cor. 10:4-5  tells us to hold every thought captive.

Application

Have you ever tried to break a habit?  First you catch yourself doing it and stop after the fact and try to make it right.  After a while, you catch yourself in the act of doing it, and change your actions.  Before too long you catch yourself just as you are ABOUT to do it, and avoid it.  Then, finally you realize one day that you only thought about doing that thing, and didn't do it.  This is basic behavior modification in action.  But it starts with a commitment to stop sinful thoughts and behaviors and exchange them for Godly ones.

The promise is a "rich welcome" in heaven for the long-term.  For the short-term, we will be effective and productive here on earth.  Don't you want the father to say "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"  (Matt. 25:23) instead of calling us "shortsighted and blind"?

Prayer

Father, I pray for your Holy Spirit within me to activate and change me from the inside out.  I pray for your grace as I fail at this, for your patience with me as I make the same mistakes.  But Lord, I know that you aren't done with me, that you will continue to work in me as I struggle to submit my will to yours.  I pray I make you happy with my progress, and ask that you find ways to encourage me and keep me motivated.  I pray and ask this in your Holy Name.  Amen.

House Rules

Scripture:Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1-6

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)

Observation:

You've become a Christian.  You heard the gospel, you said the prayer and you are now a member of God's family... now what?  Adoption into a new family means that there are new rules to learn.  Every family has them, even God's.

I love that we aren't left to ourselves to figure it out.  He first sent His son, to teach us and show us... then sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and direct us from within.  The bible says that The Spirit searches out the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10).   But He doesn't stop there, he also provided us with his Word, and books with in it like the one we read today to teach us.

There is a movement within the church to tolerate all kinds of behavior that directly opposes scripture and these "family rules".    Let's face it, living a Godly life in today's culture is very unpopular.  We don't want to offend, exclude, or prohibit people from coming into the family, nor do we want to seem as though we are narrow-minded or exclusive.  And tragically, this compromises our fellowship with Him when we pick and choose which parts of His Word we are willing to acknowledge and live.

Application:

My challenge to you is to look at the book Paul wrote to Timothy, imagine it was written today... to you.  What sections do you find the most challenging?  What parts resonate and encourage you?  It might feel overwhelming to think of  these standards in your common every day experience,  and you may feel like you don't measure up.

But let me encourage you to trust that the God who saved you, who has a plan and a purpose, has reasons for the rules he sets up.  The Holy Spirit who lives inside of you and searches out the deeper things will teach you, will be your guide as you navigate the transformation of your salvation. (Philippians 2:12-13). 

 Trust Him.

Prayer:

Lord I think you for your love.  I thank you for that amazing thing you did in sending your son who surrendered to the cross, and bridged the gap so that we could call you Father.  I thank you for your Spirit, the part of you that dwells in side of us, so that we are never alone.  Holy and Triad God, I ask that you complete the work inside of us that began with that initial prayer of repentance.  Amen.

What I Am

Bible Reading: Acts 24-26

Scripture:

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”  (Acts 26:24-29)

Observation:

Paul knew the end was coming.  He had been warned a few chapters back that he would be captured and imprisoned if he went into Jerusalem.  And still he went.

In this section he has been passed up and up the food chain, no one willing to kill a Roman Citizen, Paul requests to speak to Cesar.  At this point in the journey he is speaking to Festus and Agrippa.  They don't understand him, and call him insane.  Instead of justifying his actions or pleading for his release, he presents the gospel.

Application:

Can I say of my life, as Paul did, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

I can gratefully count myself as one of those who "are listening" to Paul, so many centuries later.   I count myself as one who - like him - is  changing from what I was into "What I Am".

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit who moves within us and compels us to be more like you!  Amen