Scripture:
Rev. 14:12-13 “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.* And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Observation:
In the middle of a whole bunch of suffering and judgment upon Earth in Revelation we see a call to the church. It is a call to persevere in their faith to the end. The result is rest and reward. This is a strict contrast to the results of lives lived in opposition to God and apart from the covering of Christ.
Application:
The Revelation of Jesus Christ freaks a lot of people out. It is a book that references fire, famine, war, death and eternal punishment. However in the midst of it all, is the promise of eternal life for those who are in Christ. The righteousness of God is rewarded in Revelation and real people, people like you and me, are called saints. We are given life, eternity and the right to reign and rule with Christ. What blows me away is that anything good that comes to a believer in Revelation is only made possible by the work of Christ. It is the cross that makes us righteous, the resurrection that provided us the redemption, and the ascension that made way for the seal of the Holy Spirit. So as I read another chapter of Revelation, I am reminded that I can read it in peace because of the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection. Nothing will change the future judgment of this Earth. However the gospel provides a way for mankind to be rescued from perishing with the Earth, the ways of the world, and the enemy.
Prayer:
Thank you for the peace of the gospel. May it be my story and my song today to everyone I get the chance to interact with.