Revelation 1:12-13 and 17-18 - When
I turned to see who was speaking, there behind me were seven candlesticks of
gold. And standing among them was one who looked
like Jesus, who called himself the Son of Man, wearing a long robe circled
with a golden band across his chest.
….When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead; but he laid
his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! Though I am the First and
Last, the Living One who died, who is now alive forevermore, who has the keys
of hell and death—don’t be afraid!
Revelation….an intimate glimpse of the end of the story
started in Genesis 1….given to his obedient servant John. John paints for us the end of earthly existence….and
the final triumph and victory over evil. It isn’t the end for those who believe
in the power of God … the sacrifice of the son…and the sustaining ability of
the Holy Spirit.
My daily studies bring me to this book in a season of
increased turmoil and destruction in the world. The news saturated with the
freshest attack on innocent people by evil terrorists in Paris…new fear
threatening to rip the promised hope of God from every weak believer. But this
is no time to let evil rule our thoughts and prayers…it is a time to remember
that God is in control of every action…and will judge them when his timing is
complete.
My heart felt immediate peace when I read these verses in
John’s first chapter. The first verse doesn’t say that God is up in Heaven
watching the destruction. It says that
he is ‘among’ the churches. I can’t explain the particulars about the trinity….it’s
just one of those things that I know because of the faith God has built into my
heart. God and Jesus may be sitting up
in Heaven….for now….but the Holy Spirit’s home is in every heart that believes
in them. He was given as our comforter…cause Jesus could see how hard these
days would become.
The second verse provides a directive for all of us who want
to give in to fear and start collecting the supplies we might need to survive
when things get worse in our corner of the world. John recorded it correct… Jesus told him not to be afraid….because fear
is the enemy of the peace he wants us to feel in our relationship with him. Fear keeps us from claiming the promises of
God. Fear takes our focus off of sharing the gospel with others…and puts it on self-preservation.
It’s only hard if you continue to focus on the bad news...and
stop searching for answers by study of his word and prayer. Don’t just pray for
Paris….pray for the peace of God to cover everyone that is gripped by fear this
morning. Pray for the ones that can’t
stop watching the feed on the TV and continue with normal life because fear is
taking root in their hearts. Pray that God place peace and comfort in all
hearts that believe in him so that God’s love will continue to be shared.
Father…thank you for the promise of peace in a time of turmoil
and evil destruction. Thank you for the promise to be among us…and placing your
spirit here on earth to help us conquer the fear satan is trying to plant to
destroy the faith of those that believe.
Help me to cling to the peace you promised and find ways to share your
love with others….so more of the world can live through what is coming before
you come in glory and conquer evil for good.
Amen.
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