Scripture:
John: “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he (the angel) said with a loud voice: “Fear God and give Him glory because the hour of judgment has come and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water…”
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints: those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus…” (Rev 14:6 and 7; v12)
Observation:
More unfolding of the mystery of the Revelation; point by point; event by event; proclamation by proclamation. I think we are seeing a shift in circumstances and events by seeing God’s Grace in Judgment.
Application:
By thinking about this section of scripture I am reminded again that the Gospel is not only the good news for the lost, it is also the good news of the new Heavens and new Earth; of God’s total Grace and Goodness in His Holiness by executing Judgment and subsequent righteous Wrath upon the wicked.
Boy that reads so judgmental and bleak. But looking at Rev 14 clinically it is true. The extrapolation of the Gospel is that someday God will execute His Righteous Judgment on the Earth and expend His Holy Wrath. But the angel has it right: “Fear God and give Him Glory.”
This is the part of preaching the Gospel to myself that I am reluctant to review. I like the good stuff. I don’t like to be reminded that because of Adam I wholly deserve God’s Wrath in Judgment. It is because of God’s Goodness and Mercy that the Son became the Atonement for my sin.
I am having to remind myself almost hourly. Holiday season brings out so much tension and anxiety I just wish I could skip the last 6 weeks of the year. I am having a horrible time with my spirit right now. The Fruit of the Spirit in me looks dried up and rotten. My hands are shaking even as I write this.
But I am reminded of my Hope and I look to my Lord Jesus, remembering that I am not forgotten or forsaken, He is right there helping me through this by His active power in my life. I am able to talk to my heart like David: “Why are you in despair O my soul—Hope again in God!” (Ps 43:5)
I will get through this by God’s Grace. For I have a Hope, an enduring Hope. Until then I will press into endurance and persevere, by Faith in Jesus’ work of Atonement on the Cross.
Prayer:
Lord God, I know that endurance and perseverance is more than just gritting my teeth and having a stiff upper lip—there are active application of biblical effort I must engage in. This is so tough because when times are good I don’t train for the valleys of life. Two things I ask You for today: 1) Grace for this time; to get through this anxiousness and stuff, and; 2) Grace to apply myself to training when times are good—training in a disciplined manner, adding lines, precepts, and doctrine to exercise with—hiding your Words of Life in my heart. I want to please You in all things, Lord Jesus. AMEN.