Death Dies

Revelation Chapter 21

Scripture:
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘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.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.  But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.  This is the second death.  (Revelation 21:7-8)

Observation:
The reason why some of the scripture here is in quotes is because the references made by John link back to Isaiah chapter 65, where he talks about the thousand year reign, the life span of those during that time, and the new heaven and new earth that comes after.  This explanation of heaven isn’t a new concept, but rather, an ancient one, one that God has promised all along and is the fulfillment of prophesy.

Application:
No matter if some of us are living and reigning with God during that thousand-year span, mentioned in the previous chapter- Revelation 20, or whether we join him after he remakes all things, we who have believed by faith and have our names on the Lamb’s Book of Life will join him.

But not all roads lead to heaven.  I know this isn’t politically correct for the current thinking of our society, but it really does matter who you believe in (the object of that faith), and the substance of it.  (Is it mature and strong enough to survive testing?).  As hard as it may be to hear, being a “good or moral person” isn’t enough to get us into heaven.

Believing in a thing doesn’t make it real.  It’s who you place your belief in, and HIS power that makes US real, and brings us into His reality.  He provides a list of those who won’t make it into heaven: the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, those who practice the magic arts, the idolaters and all liars.

It’s easy to look at that list and check them off as not applying to us, but I want to focus on two things from this list that might very well apply to us.

First: He is truth, and His truth sets us free from the chains of our self-delusion of believing in the lies we tell ourselves.  You know the ones I’m talking about, we say them to ourselves to keep us feeling comfortable and safe; justified in our positions, and always right - since we filter it through our own, one-point experience it comes out sounding like “that’s just the way I am”.

Second: Once we believe the lie that we can go our own way and still get into His heaven, Idolatry takes over.  This is expressed in our behavior when we fashion our faith into something that makes us feel good about doing good things, projects, or programs.  It comes out sounding like “That’s something I can get behind”. Instead, we should find out what He has to say about a subject and getting behind HIM in it.  (If you are doing it right, the world will reject you.)

Do you say you believe in God?  Then find out what he has to say about himself, and follow him instead of what feels good or right to you.  Your mother may only want you to be happy, but God says that the heart is deceitful and wicked (Jer.17:9).  Your feelings are bound to your flesh and are constantly at war with the Holy Spirit.  If following God is comfortable and easy for you, then you should take a strong look at what you believe in, what you are conforming to with your time, energy, and resources – because only those who do not practice idolatry get to inherit the heaven he has planned.

Prayer:
Father, I pray for the people of my generation who are like cold-blooded animals that adjust to the ambient temperature around them.  They cannot tell the truth from the lie …and so they lie comfortably.  I pray for those who believe in you, that the Holy Spirit within them brings conviction to their actions so they are found approved by their testing of faith.  I pray for those who do not believe, that you would prepare the soil of their hearts to hear the gospel.  I pray it is spoken to them clearly, and for their heart, soul, mind and strength to respond; for it will require strength, endurance to stay the course until the end when you usher us into our new homes with you.  Amen.

The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath

Revelation Chapter 16

Scripture:
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”

Observation:
There are a series of three judgments poured out on man. Each of the judgments are successively more severe in area, duration and number of people affected. Those judgments as listed in the book of Revelation are: The seals, the trumpets and the bowls. In today’s chapter we cover the final series that are ushered in by the last trumpet sound, the bowls speak to judgments that bring on literally the end of the world.

Application:
Here is what Peter had to say about these times in 2 Peter3:1-13:

3Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 

You know what? I couldn't have said it better myself.

The question Paul wrote lingers and echoes in my mind "What kind of people ought you be?" I saw today a quote today that said "Jesus did not die to give us peace and a purpose in life; he died to save us from the wrath of God." (Attributed to Jerry Bridges, but I thought the quote timely for today.)

On the day that our savor died, the words "it is finished" were the last words from his mouth. Then where was a n earthquake and the temple veil was torn, ushering the way for God to live in us. Here in this chapter we get another echo of that day where a loud voice from the throne says in verse 17 "it is done!" just as the final earthquake hits the earth and the earth is literally torn and we are ushered in to live with him.

Prayer:
Father God, help us be the kind of person who takes your word seriously. Help us be the kind of people who love you and reach out to save your children from the fire, instead of basking in the glow of it. Amen.

No Hiding Place

Revelation Chapter 6 

Scripture: 

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” (Rev. 6:1, 15-17) 

Observation: 

There is so much about this chapter that I don't understand and can't unpack for you.  (Even the commentaries contradict themselves) I have all sorts of questions myself like: When this is supposed to happen exactly? I don't know.  What order is it supposed to happen in?  I don't know.  Do all of these calamities happen in one day or over the course of years?  I don't know. What scroll are all these seals attached to?  I don't know.  Is this for all the world or only unbelievers?  I don't know. 

There are a few things that I do know though.   

First: It's Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who is opening the seals on this scroll.  And even though it's wrapped up in mystery, Jesus testified to this time coming and spoke of it while he was in human form in the gospels of Mark 13:24-27; Mat. 24:29-31and in Luke 21:25-27   

Second: The bible is replete with reminders for us not to seek revenge on our own, but to give the right to repay to The Lord.  In this way the door of judgment can  to stay open long enough for people to repent and be saved... but it has a time limit on it.  Here are passages that foretell it. 

Deut. 32:34-36 'Is it not laid up in store with Me, Sealed up in My treasuries? 'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.' "For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free.… 

Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  Hebrews 10:30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."  

So, because there is so much symbolism contained in each of these seals as they are broken and poured out on the earth, and I just don't understand all of what John spoke of, it would be foolish for me to parse them for you.  I only know that it's going to be end-of-the-world bad as all those judgments that have been sealed up (held back and waiting) are released and the new heaven and the new earth are created from it's ashes.   

Application: 

Repent and be saved!  Jesus had some hard truth-claims that he made about himself you may need to wrestle with Him about.  Find someone to help you talk through what they are. Look closely at the objects your beliefs are attached to.  Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life, and that no one can come to the father (God) except through him.                                              

Have you already done this?  Then be intentional and  take as many as you can to heaven with you!  Initiate the conversations that lead to the eternal questions.     

When God's wrath is poured out, even kings, presidents, rulers and common people like you and me will be calling out to the rocks to hide them.  For all those who thought Jesus was a wimp for forgiving - that God was impotent to the travesties enacted throughout the ages, they should read the last book.  Then they will understand His great compassion in waiting for us to come to know Him.  Because that day will be terrible. 

Prayer: 

Lord, I feel like I am guilty of living so much in the moment that I forget how the story ends.  None of what we work and strive for here on earth is meant to last.  It has an expiration date.  And yet, I find that I am caught up in the tyranny of my everyday -investing in this world instead of the one to come.  Lord, provide me with more opportunities to reach out and share the gospel.  Amen.

The Big Reveal

Revelation Chapter 1

Scripture:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:3)

Observation:
Revelation has always been difficult for me to interpret. And now I find myself in a place where I am asked to take portions of it make comments. I don't pretend to understand all that has been penned in this chapter. However, here's what I do know: however difficult parts of it might be to interpret, God still wants us to know what is going to happen. So, it's important to read it, to understand what we can. The bible says we are blessed for reading it.

Application: As you embark on reading through Revelations with us, I invite you to get hold of a good cross reference bible and read the related passages in their context. Use the reply button to post your questions and comments. Lets do this together!

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for your far-seeing love. I pray that as we look into these scriptures that you would bless our time and our intent to see you. Though there is much that is shrouded in mystery, I ask that your Holy Spirit make up the differences and reveal to us the truth you want us to know. Amen.

Burned Out?

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 

Scripture: 

4We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.  

13And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.  

Observation: 

This scripture was written to a body of believers who had thrown their lot in together, to provide for all the needs of the congregation.  The heavily persecuted church gathered refugees of a sort who lost land, wealth and family for following Christ.  Some of them believed the end times to be coming at any moment and so quit their jobs.  So while most were working for the common good, some others were taking advantage - freeloading on the generosity of the church.  The people who lead the church were feeling used, and found this behavior undermining the gospel.  It was a problem big enough to cause them to call on Paul for advice.  His response to them was to put the ones who would not work out of the fellowship - hoping that this would bring them into repentance of their behavior and restore a productive balance.   

Application: 

So what is there in this passage that we can take for ourselves? (Beyond the obvious to work to build up one another and provide for each other's needs.)  I don't know where you are in your journey, but I could make a broad guess that you are feeling tired or weary.  We don't have the style of communities that the first believers did, but the advice Paul gave then applies to us now.   He says to "direct our hearts into God's Love and Christ's perseverance..."  "To never tire of doing what is good."   

This is something that does not spring from our own human nature, but from the Holy Spirit working through us.  It's God's love, and not our own at work here, do you see?  It sees people through HIS eyes and not our own.  It's the kind of love that doesn't give up, but remains steadfast.  If you are feeling beat up, run down and taken advantage of, first check yourself and see if you are connected to the vine, John 15:5  says "I am the vine and you are the branches, apart from me, you can do nothing."  If we are connected to the vine, he will love others and never tired of doing good through us.  He will also speak to us about our relationships and the proper boundaries to put around them so that they can flourish too.                                                                                                                                                           

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you that we don't have to rely on our own resources. Thank you for the love that never gives up, and always works for the good.  Amen.

A Good Report

A Good Report 

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 

Scripture: 

But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. (1 Thes. 3:6-7) 

Observation: 

Acts 17:1-10 give us a timeline and framework to put this letter that Paul writes.  He's travelled to Thessalonica  the city for a few weeks, going first to the synagogue and stirring things up over there by effectively witnessing and converting a lot of prominent people of influence and power within the Jewish community.  This gets the notice of the Jewish leaders there and in the course of those weeks he plants a new church while staying with Jason.  Who, by the way, gets hauled out and nearly mobbed for his guilt by association!  They arrest him and later release him on bond.  Meanwhile, Paul leaves town in a hurry where he goes to the Berean Synagogue and starts all over again.   

All this time though he's troubled, worried about the state that he's left the struggling new church - even though he told them to expect persecution.  Are they still faithful to the teaching?  Have they slipped back into old ways?  Have others come behind Paul and tried to stamp out the good news and pervert it?  How are his new "children"?  Are they safe? 

So he sends Timothy to find out.  This letter is in response to the news Timothy brings him from that visit.  And it's good news.  They are still thriving through the persecution that he warned them would come. 

Application: 

The application today is obvious.  How are you holding up in your faith?  Are you stunted in your growth, stumbling?  Trapped by your fears? Worn down by cares?  Too busy to hear Him?  What message would someone take back about us?  Are we fruitful and effective? 

I confess that I too often let fear, worry and stress of worldly things paralyze me.  That misplaced fear, twists my actions, fuels my justifications and leaves me empty of the power that comes from trusting in Him. 

I urge you to spend some time today, confessing the things that keep you from growing.  "Perfect Love casts our fear"  "Do not be afraid"  "Cast your cares on him, because he cares for you"  and for the busyness in us all, "Be still and know that I am God." 

Prayer: 

Lord, help me turn to you instead of my own resources.  Help me keep your perspective as I navigate my day.  I really want the report at the end of my life to be "Well done thou good and faithful servant." 

Behold, The Man!

John Chapter 19 

Scripture: 

5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”  

6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”  

But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”  

7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”  

8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”  

11Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”  

12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”  

13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon.  

“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.  

15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”  

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.  

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.  

16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.  

Observation: 

"Behold the man!" Pilate says.  Pilate meant that he was presenting the one they'd brought to him, but my mind took a different spin on it today. Jesus was God in the flesh AND all man too.  Human.  It begs the question, "What does it mean to be human?"  What separates us as humans from beasts? 

    

Part of being made in God's image - as being human, is that we have the power to defer to long term thinking that steps outside of short term gratification.  We have the ability to CHOOSE to react or not react, to stimuli, to people, to temptations, to anything.  Pilate saw that Jesus withstood torture without begging for a deal, for his life, or for them to stop.  When after being tortured, and he was offered a way of escape through Pilate, he took the longer view and did not waver from the reasons he submitted to the cross in the first place... and still remained silent. 

In fact, Jesus didn't speak at all during his questioning or torture, and when he did speak it wasn't to defend himself, but to defend the sovereignty of God. Pilate tells him "Don't you know I have the power to free you?"  Jesus breaks the silence by correcting Pilate's worldview.  "You would have no power over me were it not given to you from above."   

Hebrews 12 says "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame...." How great must have been the joy that Jesus looked forward to that it carried Him through THAT suffering? 

Application: 

Today I am wondering about my own worldview. Do I say one thing, but live out another?  Do I say I believe in the sovereignty of Christ, yet act out that faith as though he didn't have all power and control?  I have to confess that I sometimes let worry and stress get leverage over me.  Sometimes I react in the moment and feel defeated by it. 

But Jesus doesn't leave us there.  He shows us how to have the endurance he did.  James 1:2 says, "count it all joy when you face trials (temptations) of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance."   

It's a process of development.  Non of us are able to get it right the first time or all the time.... but rather it's something that develops over time that requires you to patiently endure the testing in order to be approved.                                                                                                                       Prayer:    

Lord, I pray you remind us when we go through trials and temptations, that these are opportunities to trust in your sovereignty.  Help us align our worldly and short-sighted worldview into one that trusts not in ourselves but in you.  Amen.