LookingtoJesus

December 11

Bible Reading: Revelation 8

Revelation 8:6-12, “Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.  The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth.  And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.  The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.  A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.  The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.  The name of the star is Wormwood.  A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.  The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.”

A Hollywood movie, Interstellar, tells the story of the earth’s future when a global blight and dust bowl work to render the planet uninhabitable.  In the movie’s plot, a NASA physicist works on plans to save mankind by transporting the Earth’s population to a new home on a different planet.  Hollywood got one thing right—planet earth is headed for trouble—but they are wrong as to the source and the extent.  And they were wrong about one other thing—there will be no escape to another planet.

Inasmuch as the servants of God have now been sealed for protection, the seventh seal can be opened to unleash the seven trumpet judgments.  The first four angels sound their trumpets, which work to bring great devastation to the ecosystems of the earth.  As terrible as these judgments are, they are less severe than the three that come afterwards.  Recall that it is the Lamb who opens each of the seals unleashing the judgments which come upon the earth and its citizens (Revelation 5:5).  Nothing happens outside of the sovereign control of God.  Each of the trumpet judgments takes place after one of the “seven angels” blows his trumpet (Revelation 8:6).  In each case, the judgment brings devastation or destruction to a third of its specific target.

In the first trumpet, judgment “hail and fire, mixed with blood” are thrown upon the earth (Revelation 8:7).  Reminiscent of one of the plagues of Egypt, and what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, this judgment works to burn up a third of the earth and its trees and all the green grass (Revelation 8:7).  The destruction of all this foliage will have a devastating effect of life on the planet turning the globe into a virtual wasteland.  In the second trumpet judgment, “something like a great mountain, burning with fire, (is) thrown into the sea” (Revelation 8:8).  In the first plague of Egypt the waters of the Nile were turned into blood (Exodus 7:14-25).  Similarly, this judgment works to turn “a third of the sea” into blood (Revelation 8:8).  As a result, “a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Revelation 8:9).  In the pending third bowl judgment, the remainder of the rivers and springs not affected by this judgment will also become blood (Revelation 16:4).  The destruction of the sea will work to devastate the food chain which supports life on this planet.  In the third trumpet judgment, a great star named “Wormwood” falls from heaven, “blazing like a torch” (Revelation 8:10).  It falls on “a third of the rivers and on the springs of water” causing them to become “wormwood” (Revelation 8:11).  According to Vine’s the term refers to “a plant both bitter and deleterious, and growing in desolate places” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).  “Many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter” (Revelation 8:11).  The fourth trumpet works to strike a third of the sun, moon, and stars, “so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night” (Revelation 8:12).  The “sun became black as sackcloth” under the sixth seal judgment (Revelation 6:12).  As during the plagues of Egypt, there was complete darkness (Exodus 10:21-23).  Only a partial darkness is described here, but—as on other occasions—it will work to illicit great fear in the hearts of men.

As bad as these judgments sound, there is worse to come.  John hears an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, ‘Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow’” (Revelation 8:13).  In other words, If you think this is bad…you ain’t seen nothing yet.  For all the talk of powers that be of saving this planet, its fate has always rested in the One who created all things.  There will come a time when unprecedented mayhem will fall to those who reside on planet earth.  It is left to those who read these warnings to flee to Jesus, who alone can save and assure to us a safe refuge in Him and His heaven.

Don’t delay in trusting Jesus to join the ranks of those whose citizenship is in heaven!

From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat:
‘Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

December 8

Bible Reading: Revelation 7

Revelation 7:17, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

I was with my orthopedic surgeon.  We had discussed my aching knees and decided that the best thing for now would be a shot in each knee.  As she was preparing the injection, she asked me to describe to her one of my favorite places.  So, I described for her my experiences of steelhead fishing along the scenic North Umpqua River.  Distracted in thought, she then jabbed the needle into my knee joint!  That distraction didn’t work so well on the second knee!   I love rivers.  Always have.  I’ve hiked, fished, boated, and gazed at many of them.  Some of my fondest memories are of fishing in Oregon creeks and rivers.  It’s as if God instilled in me a love of rivers.  But better yet, He’s put in my soul a love for a river of living waters.

From beginning to end, a river runs through the Biblical narrative.  The creation account speaks of “a river that flowed out of Eden to water the garden” (Genesis 2:10).  The last chapter of the Bible speaks of the “river of the water of life, bright as crystal” which will flow through the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1).  Even in the Bible’s middle, the Psalmist spoke of a river that makes glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4).

According to the rule of threes, a person can survive three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food.  But spiritually speaking, we cannot survive for three seconds without from Jesus.  Whether we realize it or note, we are all in desperate need of Him.  The great lie of sin—and those who cheer its cause—is that we can manage or thrive somehow apart from a relationship with our creator.  In sin, we endeavor to fill the gaping hole in our heart (that is satisfied only by rightly relating to God) with worldly fare.  It is as St. Augustine once said, “Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless until we find rest in Thee.”  He alone can satisfy the thirst of our soul.  Our passage speaks to that provision.

In his vision, John saw “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne” (Revelation 7:9).  We are not left to wonder who these folks are, for the text tells us: “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14).  Not to be confused with the church age saints, who were previously raptured, these tribulation saints will face unprecedented and unimaginable suffering and persecution.  But God will reward them, giving them purpose and shelter and protection and comfort (Revelation 7:15-17).  Amongst these blessings, we are told that God will also “guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:17).

And it seems as if God is always working to guide us so.  He is the Shepherd “who leads beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2).  Through the prophet Jeremiah, God exhorted His people because they had “forsaken (him) the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13).  This is the same living water promised by Jesus to the woman at the well (John 4:10-11).  And to all who would believe in Him (John 7:38).  If you are a believer, you’ve got “rivers of living water” flowing out of your heart through the indwelling Spirit (Revelation 7:38).

Make note of the promised blessing to these beleaguered folks — “He will guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:17).  They had faced horrific trials (Matthew 24:21).  Loss and heartache and grief and sickness and tears and death had marked their days!  But God then guided them to springs of living water.  As he had before, on countless occasions, to needy souls in every dispensation.  There are beautiful rivers on this planet—they are life-giving in their own way—but the great need of every soul is the abundant provision of eternal life bound up in the person of Jesus Christ!  How good it is that we have a God who is able to guide us out of the desert of our hurts and sorrow to the healing waters of His comfort and provision!

“Spring up, O Well, within my soul!  Spring up, O Well, and make me whole!”

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

December 7

Bible Reading: Revelation 6

Revelation 6:1-8, “Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, ‘Come!’  And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.  When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come!’  And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.  When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.  And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!’  When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’  And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”

In the preceding chapter the Lamb — “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, (who) has conquered” (Revelation 5:5) — took the scroll sealed with seven seals from the One who sits on the throne.  As a result, all of creation breaks out in praise and worship “to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Revelation 5:13).

This chapter has to do with the opening of the seals and the resulting judgments that will come upon the earth.  Some have supposed these to represent past events.  But the breadth and depth of the severity of these judgments is unprecedented.  Three sets of seven judgments—seals, trumpets, and bowls—are recorded in chapters 6-16.  These events are a part of the seven-year tribulation period that will come upon the earth.  There have been plenty of wars, natural disasters, famines, etc. that mankind has experienced as the result of living on a sin-cursed planet, but the series of judgments are unique in a variety of ways.  This coming period is unlike anything that has transpired before (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19; Revelation 3:10). 

Everything that takes place is completely under the control of God.  The Lamb initiates the events.  There is no judgment that does not ultimately work to serve God’s purpose in the consummation of things.  The phrase “It was given” (Revelation 6:2) speaks to this recurrent theme (Revelation 6:3, 4, 8, 11; 7:2; 8:3; 9:1, 3, 5; 11:1; 13:5, 7, 14-15; 16:8; 19:8).  The “wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16) which comes forth in these judgments is not merely a judgment of sin but represents a sweeping away of the systems of man in the ushering in of the Messianic Kingdom on earth (Daniel 7:11-14).

As the Lamb opens the seals, a sequence of events is initiated which parallel those previously predicted by Christ Himself (Matthew 24; Mark 12; Luke 21).  The first four seals are set apart from the remaining three as they all have to do with a rider being sent out on a horse (what has commonly been referred to as “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”).  The four horses (Zechariah 6:1-3) are all of different colors—white (Revelation 6:2); bright red (Revelation 6:4); black (Revelation 6:5); and pale (Revelation 6:8).

The first horse, being white, has caused some to assume its rider to be Christ Himself.  In Revelation 19:11, Christ is seen riding a while horse.  He likewise wears a crown (Revelation 6:2 & 19:12; though in 19:12 he wears many) and He overcomes (Revelation 6:2 & 5:5).  But the rider here (in Revelation 6:2) is not Jesus Christ.  It is illogical to see Him both as the opener of the seal and the rider unleashed as a result.  Furthermore, if the rider rides forth, who remains in heaven (in the vision) to open the remaining seals?  Also, this rider sets forth at the beginning of the tribulation, the rider in Revelation chapter 19, at the end.  The rider on the while horse represents instead, the Antichrist, who will be revealed when “he who now restrains” is taken “out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:2-7).  He will conquer, but not in military way (note the presence of a bow but absence of any reference to arrows; Daniel 9:27).  He will facilitate a deceptive kind of world peace that will lull the world into a false sense of security (Daniel 8:24-25).

The three subsequent seals will send forth three additional horses with riders.  The rider on the red horse will bring war on earth, the rider on the black horse, famine, and the rider on the pale horse, death “with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth” (Revelation 6:7).  A fourth of the world’s population will die.  Troubling days lie ahead for this world.  Salvation and hope are in Christ alone (Acts 4:12; Galatians 1:4).

“There is coming a day when the wrath of God must be poured out upon the unrighteousness of men, and it is to that day we have come.”—Ray Stedman

Though they are slighting Him,
Still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.

December 6

Bible Reading: Revelation 5

Revelation 5:1-6, “Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’  And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.  And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’  And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”

John’s vision continues.  He sees a scroll in the right hand of God.  The scroll has writing on both sides and is sealed intermittently with seven seals.  It was common in that day to prepare legal documents in such a way.  A document was sealed with wax and then imprinted with the owner’s name or emblem.  The scroll and its seals represent the title deed to the earth.  As J. Vernon McGee has noted, “This suggests, I believe, that what is being handed over to the Lord Jesus is the title deed to this world in which you and I live.  He created it, He redeemed it, and it belongs to Him.”  The sealed scroll will soon be opened to unleash a series of judgments upon the earth.

In John’s vision, he sees a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open and break its seals” (Revelation 5:2)?  The message is one of great concern and urgency addressed to the entire universe.  But “no one was found worthy” (Revelation 5:4).  None of “Adam’s lineage’ qualifies.  No angelic being is worthy.  The powers of darkness are not able.  John begins to “weep loudly” because there is none to open the scroll.  John had good reason to weep.  Creation groans under the weight of the curse of sin (Romans 8:22).  Is life on earth to continue in its sin-plagued manner?  Is there none to intervene and put things aright?

One of the elders steps forward to assist John.  He counsels John to “weep no more” and directs his attention Christ-ward (Revelation 5:5).  In what better way can the sorrowful find solace than to set their gaze upon Jesus?  There is One worthy, and He is none other than the “Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5).  In this prophetic manner, Jacob blessed his son and spoke of the promised “root of David” (Genesis 49:9-10; 2 Samuel 7:11-14; Isaiah 11:1-10).  The prophesied and promised One “has conquered” and is thereby qualified to open the scroll (Revelation 5:5).  The term translated “conquered” is the Greek “nikao” which means to triumph or overcome.  He has overcome through His death and resurrection (Revelation 1:17-18; Colossians 2:15).

Amidst the throne and four living creatures and elders, John sees “a lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).  The conquering lion appears as a lamb.  The term lamb appears twenty-eight times in the book of Revelation and four times in this chapter.  As a lamb, He was slain and by His blood He “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).  He is worshipped by the multitudinous heavenly choir saying loudly, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12).

J. Vernon McGee notes, “The lion character refers to His second coming; the lamb character refers to His first coming.  The lion is symbolic of His majesty; the lamb is symbolic of HIs meekness.  As a lion, He is Sovereign; as a lamb, He is a Savior.  As a lion, He is a Judge; as a lamb, He is judged.  The lion represents the government of God; the lamb represents the grace of God.”

Majestic like a lion.  Meek as a lamb.  As the hymn says, “Emptied of His glory, God became a man…A Ruler, yet a Servant, A Shepherd, yet a Lamb” (“He is Lord;” Linda Lee Johnson, Claire Cloninger and Tom Fettke).  Worthy is the Lamb-like Lion!  Even now a great choir of the redeemed, those who have had their hearts tuned to sing His praise, is being gathered from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 4:9) to proclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb!”

Jesus alone is able and worthy to end the suffering, pain, sickness and death that characterize everyday life in this world!

Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son

December 5

Bible Reading: Revelation 4

Revelation 4:1-5, “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.  And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.  From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God.”

The twice-repeated words “after this” (Revelation 4:1) introduce that which corresponds to the things revealed to John which “are to take place after this” (Revelation 1:19).  The events of this chapter are yet future for us.

In language corresponding to the rapture of the church, John heard a trumpet and was at once caught up to the throne (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).  The forthcoming chapters (chapters 6-19) will speak of judgment, but they make no reference to the church (the term church does not appear even once).  The transition that takes place here in chapter 4 is significant.  Jesus had spoken to the churches (chapters 2-3).  John was then caught up in heaven with a voice that sounded like a trumpet.  All of this comes before the tribulational events that will be described starting in chapter 6. 

As the great judgment on the earth takes place, John—a representative of the church—is in heaven observing all that happens (the words “I saw,” “I looked,” and “I heard” occur numerous times in the remaining chapters of the book).  Surrounding the throne of God are “twenty-four thrones” on which are seated “twenty-four elders” (Revelation 4:4).  As J. Vernon McGee has pointed out, the twenty-four elders represent the church: “These twenty-four elders stand for the total church from Pentecost to the Rapture.  Therefore, I can say categorically and dogmatically that here is the church in heaven.”

John Walvoord says the same, “The invitation to John to ‘come up hither’ is so similar to that which the church anticipates at the rapture that many have connected the two expressions. It is clear from the context that this is not an explicit reference to the rapture of the church, as John was not actually translated; in fact, he was still in his natural body on the island of Patmos. He was translated into scenes of heaven only temporarily. Though there is no authority for connecting the rapture with this expression, there does seem to be a typical representation of the order of events, namely, the church age first, then the rapture, then the church in heaven…From a practical standpoint, however, the rapture may be viewed as having already occurred in the scheme of God before the events of chapter 4 and following chapters of Revelation unfold. The word church, so prominent in chapters 2 and 3, does not occur again until 22:16, though the church is undoubtedly in view as the wife of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7. She is not a participant in the scenes of the tribulation which form the major content of the book of Revelation.”

John was called through “a door standing open in heaven” where he was privileged “in the Spirit” to behold the throne of God.  The term “throne” appears ten times in this chapter and over forty times in the book of Revelation.  A throne represents sovereignty and authority.  God forever sovereignly reigns from His heavenly throne — as the hymn puts it: “though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” Atheists and skeptics deny the existence of any supreme and sovereign authority.  Humanists mistakenly put man on the throne.  But God reigns over all.  From the throne “came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder” (Revelation 4:5).  John MacArthur has commented on this, “He is on the throne. From God proceed flashes of lightning, sounds and peals of thunder. What’s the point here? The point is God is in a judgment mood, that is the point. God is in a judgment mood. Coming out of Him is fury.”  What is a throne of grace to the believer in Christ (Hebrews 4:16), will be a throne of judgment upon those who “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus’ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).  The believer anticipates, in the “blessed hope,” an imminent, pre-tribulational rapture into the presence of Christ.  But judgment awaits those who refuse the King.

A storm is brewing in which God, in His awesome power, will judge this rebellious and sinful world.  The only safe refuge is in Jesus!

Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory,
Glory and honor,
Glory and honor and pow’r
For Thou hast created,
hast all things created,
Thou hast created all things;
And for Thy pleasure
they are created –
Thou art worthy, O Lord.

December 4

Bible Reading: Revelation 3

Revelation 2:8-9, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write…’I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).’”

Revelation 3:14-17, “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write…’For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked’.”

The city of Smyrna lay about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus on the east shore of the Aegean Sea.  In New Testament times, as many as 200,000 citizens populated the city.  Coins described the city as “First of Asia in beauty and size.”  The city sustained a special relationship with Rome and the imperial cult that ruled in that day.  The strong allegiance to Rome and a large Jewish population (that was actively hostile to the Christians) made it especially difficult to live as a Christian in the city.  Indeed, one of the early church fathers, Polycarp, suffered martyrdom in Smyrna—some decades after this message to the church—when he refused to acknowledge Caesar as Lord.  The believers in Smyrna experienced both tribulation and poverty.  The two go hand in hand.  They struggled to make a living in the hostile environment.  Materially speaking, they were burdened and bankrupt.  But their situation did not escape the notice of “the first and the last, who died and came to life” (Revelation 2:8).  From His perspective, according to God’s economy of things, they were rich (James 2:5; Matthew 6:20; 2 Corinthians 6:10).

Laodicea was located in the Lycus valley at the juncture of two important trade routes.  In Roman times, it became the wealthiest city in the region.  The fertile soil of the valley provided good grazing for sheep.  Careful breeding had worked to produce a valued black wool that was much in demand and brought fame and wealth to the region.  Agriculture and trade gave rise to a lucrative banking industry.  The city was also renowned for a medical school, which had worked to create certain ointments that were used to treat ear and eye ailments.  Laodicea’s major weakness, its lack of an adequate water supply, was resolved by the construction of an expensive aqueduct that brought water in from springs located some six miles away.  The imperial cult reigned in Laodicea as it did in Smyrna, but the church in Laodicea was apparently not troubled by it.  It was a compromising church and deemed itself prosperous, saying, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing” (Revelation 3:17).  They were pridefully self-assured, but spiritually blind.  Like the emperor with no clothes, they were embarrassingly unaware of their true condition.  Jesus strongly rebuked them, saying, “You are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).  He exhorted them to buy from Him that which they lacked (i.e., gold, garments, and salve to anoint their eyes; Revelation 3:18).

The impoverished church in Smyrna was reputably poor, but not according to Jesus.  The prosperous church in Laodicea thought itself to be rich, but it was anything but wealthy.  If we are to judge things correctly, we must view them from His perspective.  Some deem the biggest church in America wealthy.  It meets in an expensively remodeled basketball coliseum and boasts of a weekly attendance of over 43,000.  The pastor writes best-selling books and resides in a multi-million-dollar home.  But you will find no cross hanging in the church building and hear no mention of Christ crucified from the pulpit.  The Risen Christ is not welcome there.  I once heard the testimony of a pastor who was founding a church in a small village in the Masaka Region of Uganda.  We met at the site for prayer.  There were a few poles sticking up from the ground.  Accompanied by a few members of his church, he could hardly contain his excitement as he shared how God had worked in overcoming demonic oppression and opposition, so that they could finally plant a church in the church-less village.  No one would sell property for a church, so he used his own land.  That church had no building and little resources, but they were rich in faith and love for Jesus.

There is a tendency in prosperity to rely on one’s wealth and fail to recognize the fact that we are all always needy (Proverbs 30:7-9; Luke 12:19; 1 Timothy 6:17).  Poverty and persecution have a way of working to remind us of our true condition before God.  In possessing Christ, even the most impoverished amongst us is rich beyond measure (Ephesians 3:8).  Without Him, a person can possess great earthly riches, and yet be spiritually bankrupt (Matthew 16:26). 

The question is not whether you need Jesus or not, for we all desperately need Him.  The question is to what extent do you recognize your need of Him.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

December 1

Bible Reading: Revelation 2

Revelation 2:2-5, “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.  I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.  But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

In a 2014 poll, Americans were asked “If Jesus suddenly came back to earth today, would he approve or disapprove of modern Christianity?”  Of the nearly 60,000 who responded, 87% said that He would disapprove, 9% that He would approve, and 3% said that it would depend on which denomination of Christianity.  One is left to wonder—ten years later—what the poll results would be today! 

What does Jesus think of His church?  Revelation chapters 2 and 3 provide some insight.  The exalted Christ stands “in the midst of the” churches (Revelation 1:13).  His “eyes (are) like flames of fire” (Revelation 1:15).  He knows all about His church (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15).  Seven historical churches were examined by the Lord.  Five of the seven were variously commended and reproved.  Two of the churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia, received no rebuke.  Any church in any period of the church age can exhibit the commendable virtues or destructive vices that were evident in those churches. 

Ephesus was the most prominent city in the Roman province of Asia.  The Apostle Paul had ministered there for years (Acts 20:31).  The church was subsequently led by Timothy.  At the time of the writing of Revelation, and of this specific message to the church in Ephesus, some 30 years had passed since the church’s birth.  Jesus Himself addressed the church in Ephesus!  Imagine what their response must have been in hearing the news of it!  Jesus has something to say to His church.  There is both good news and bad.

The good news.  Jesus commended them for their doctrine and diligence.  He spoke of their works, toil, patient endurance, and doctrinal purity.  They had labored in serving Christ and had demonstrated discernment in rejecting false doctrine.  They had “endured patiently” and had “not grown weary” in these things (Revelation 2:3). 

The bad news.  It has been noted that worship in serving involves a person’s heart, head, and hands (Romans 12:1-8).  The heads and hands of the Ephesians were doing their part, but something was amiss in their hearts. They were doing the right things, but not for the right reason and, according to Jesus, motivation matters.  It is a “labor of love” alone that meets with God’s approval (1 Thessalonians 1:3).  “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).  Doctrinal purity and dutiful service are admirable but are no substitute for the love for Christ, which is of preeminent concern (Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 5:15, 11:3; Philippians 3:8).  They had previously possessed that kind of agape for Him, but something had worked to diminish it.  The Apostle Paul had previously spoken to them of the need to love Jesus with “love incorruptible” (Ephesians 6:24), but it had somehow diminished.  Theirs was a “going-through-the-motions” kind of Christianity.  A dry, cold, mechanical, religiosity that bore little resemblance to its Spirit-empowered counterpart.

The remedy?  Jesus did not merely rebuke them, He exhorted them to remedy their course (2 Timothy 3:16).  The remedy involved three specific actions: remember, repent, and “redo.”  They were to recall the love and joy that first filled their hearts in the wonder of their newfound salvation.  They were also to repent (i.e., to “change the mind;’ Vine’s).  They needed to rethink their thinking about Christ.  Some serious Spirit-led soul-searching and confession of sin was in order.  Thirdly, they were to “do the works (they) did at first” (Revelation 2:5).  Love for Jesus is evidenced in obedience, which is especially manifested in love for others (John 14:15; 13:34-35).  The absence of love was a threat to their light-bearing ability.  Jesus warned that He “would come…and remove (their) lampstand from its place” unless they repented (Revelation 2:5).

“There is no use trying to do church work without love. A doctor, a lawyer, may do good work without love, but God’s work cannot be done without love.” – D L Moody

Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love.
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again.

November 30

Bible Reading: Revelation 1

Revelation 1:1-3, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.  Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

Apokalypsis = “revelation, what is revealed, disclosure, to make information known with an implication that the information can be understood.”  The term (in the singular, not plural) serves as the title of the book of Revelation, which speaks to the unveiling of the Lord Jesus.

The Apostle John had been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, a small rocky island about ten miles long and six miles wide located in the Aegean Sea southwest of Ephesus (Revelation 1:9).  According to church tradition, the aged apostle was sent there by the emperor Domitian and was forced to labor in the mines until about A.D. 96, when upon Domitian’s death, he was allowed to return to Ephesus.  John had faithfully served His Lord for over half a century.  The disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20), the “Apostle of Love,” was exiled “on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9).  His fellow apostles had all previously suffered martyrdom for the same cause.  He, the last remaining of the original twelve, was privileged to receive this “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1).

The book of Revelation unveils to us the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus had already revealed Himself to John. His true identity as the Divine Son had been unveiled in His incarnation (John 1:14-18). John was a witness to the truth of it (1 John 1:1-4). But Jesus had promised to return, and not in humility but glory (Acts 1:6-11). John had faithfully served in anticipation of Jesus’ return. Though it had not yet taken place, the revelation instructed and assured John—and his fellow servants—in “the things that must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1).

On that island, John received instructions to write of that which he saw “to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodecia” (Revelation 1:11).  The message of the entire book was to be sent to the seven churches along with a particular message to each individual church (Revelation chapters 2-3).  The seven churches were all located on one main highway in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).  They faced representative challenges that would be the experience of individuals and churches throughout the church age.  The message, regarding Christ’s ultimate triumph, has relevance to all.  The promised blessing of verse three is extended to anyone who reads, hears, and keeps the “words of this prophecy” (Revelation 1:3).  The Risen and Exalted Lord stands in “in the midst of the lampstands” (Revelation 1:13; Revelation 1:20, “the seven lampstands are the seven churches”).  He is coming again to reign and rule.

John was instructed to write of “the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this” (Revelation 1:19).  “The things that you have seen” refer to the vision received of John of the glorious and exalted Christ (Revelation 1:12-18).  The things “that are” include chapters 2 and 3 and the seven messages to the seven churches.  The third division, “those that are to take place after this,” includes the rest of the book and the future events (still future to us) that relate to Jesus’ return (i.e., “the words of this prophecy;” Revelation 1:3). Though the book is interpreted according to four different models—preterist (the book refers to first century events); historicist (the book speaks of events from apostolic times to the present); Idealist (a timeless depiction of the ongoing struggle between the forces of good and evil); and futurist (the events of chapters 4-19 speak of events that will unfold during the end times, climaxing with the return of Christ)–we will adhere to the futurist view in our interpretation and comments.  Revelation 1:19 serves as a good outline of the book’s contents.

The book of Revelation is all about Jesus.  Truths about Him and His ultimate triumph are unveiled to us.  We are not left to wonder about what will come to pass in the future, as such matters are made clear to us in the book.  One should not read the book merely to be fascinated by its contents, but rather to worship the One of whom the book speaks.  A blessing is promised to those who listen, and respond in obedience, to its message (Revelation 1:3).

The One who came first in humility to die for sins, is coming again in glory to reign forever!

Sing we the King who is coming to reign,
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain;
Righteousness, peace then His empire shall bring,
Joy to the nations when Jesus is King.
Come let us sing: Praise to our King,
Jesus our King, Jesus our King:
This is our song, who to Jesus belong:
Glory to Jesus, to Jesus our King.

November 29

Bible Reading: Jude

Jude 3, “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

The title for this epistle is taken from the name of the author.  Jude was the brother of James and Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).  Jude wrote to warn of those who had “crept in unnoticed” into the church to promulgate their false teachings (Jude 4).  These false teachers were “perverting the grace of our God into sensuality” and denying “our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).  For this reason, it was especially important for those who shared in a “common salvation” to contend for the faith.

The word “contend” translates a Greek term meaning “to struggle.”  It speaks of the intense effort that would be extended in a wrestling match (1 Corinthians 9:25).  The verb is in the present tense, implying a continuous action.  The need to contend arises because a battle for truth exists.  It has existed in this world since the fall, and it continues to this day.  Believers are as Christian soldiers enlisted to contend for truth against an onslaught of falsehood.  None can opt-out of this battle because to not contend is to yield ground to the enemy who is ever-working to deceive and destroy. 

“The faith” refers not to faith in the subjective sense, but the body of truth on which the church is founded (Ephesians 2:19-20; 4:4-6).  Though there is sometimes disagreement on periphery matters, there is to this day a body of core doctrinal truths to which the true church of God adheres.  These truths are essential both to the salvation of souls and the spiritual growth and well-being of the church.  The “church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth” forsakes its privileged role and effectiveness in the world when it fails to content for truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Jude stressed that this faith was delivered to the church “once for all” (Jude 3).  It is not subject to revision or change.  False teachers may tout their supposed revelations, but if what they say doesn’t measure up to Scripture, then it should be quickly and fully rejected as false (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  God has closed the book on His revelation to man (Revelation 22:18-19).  In contending for the faith, the believer in Christ needs to be ever vigilant to sift what he hears through a “what-does-the-Bible-say” filter.

From its beginning and to this day, the church has had those who have contended for the faith.  Jude himself would have witnessed many such examples.  Peter suffered much in contending for the faith.  Paul did too.  Foxes Book of Martyrs is replete with such stories.  I much appreciate the story of John Frith.  He died contending for the truth that a man is justified by faith alone when he refused to recant of his opposition to the false doctrine of transubstantiationism (the false doctrine that bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the very body and blood of Christ).  Here’s his story:

“England in the 1530s was a dangerous place for Protestants.  God has raised up men to translate the Bible and preach it to the people, but there were many, including King Henry VIII, who stood in vicious opposition to their efforts.  Henry did not hesitate to punish with death those who could no longer be regarded to be loyal Catholics.  John Frith had studied at Oxford.  He was saved and became one of England’s greatest evangelical scholars.  He fled to Europe, where he struggled to survive in a hostile situation.  In August 1532, he made the decision to return to England to continue his work in the reformation, knowing full well that his capture would mean certain death.  The fire in his heart to contend for the faith in sharing the gospel compelled him to go.  King Henry’s servant, Sir Thomas More, hunted for Frith, hoping both to destroy him and reach his greatest enemy, William Tyndale.  Frith was aware of the dangers that he faced and attempted to keep a low profile.  But in October 1532, just as Frith was about to board a ship to be with Tyndale, he was betrayed and taken by agents of Thomas More.  Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he was subjected to intense pressure from Catholic theologians and bishops to abandon his gospel faith.  While imprisoned for approximately eight months, Frith penned his views on Communion, fully knowing that they would, in his own words, be used “to purchase me most cruel death.”  Frith was tried before many examiners and bishops who produced Frith’s own writings as evidence for his supposed heretical views. He was sentenced to death by fire and offered a pardon if he answered positively to two questions: Do you believe in purgatory, and do you believe in transubstantiation? He replied that neither purgatory nor transubstantiation could be proven by Holy Scriptures, and thus was condemned as a heretic and was burned at the stake on 4 July 1533 at Smithfield, London.  He died, but in contending for the faith he ignited and bolstered the faith of others (Philippians 1:12-14). 

God would have us, His children, to contend for His truth.  People contend for all sorts of lesser causes, but to contend for the faith is to fight the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7).  The eternal destiny of lost souls hangs in the balance. 

“But mark it down in your mind: there is truth worth contending for. There is truth worth dying for!” – John Piper

Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood,
For the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God’s new Messiah,
Offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
Twixt that darkness and that light.

November 28

Bible Reading: 3 John

3 John 9-10, “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.  So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.  And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.”

Our upside-down culture deems pride virtuous.  But that’s not how God views things. 

Third John was a personal letter from the Apostle John to his beloved friend Gaius.  In it, he expressed his joy in hearing of Gaius’ faithfulness (3 John 1-4), and for his support for traveling “fellow workers” (3 John 5-8).  He also addressed his concern regarding Diotrephes, a man who was working against John and hindering the progress of the gospel (3 John 9-10).

Diotrephes had a pride problem.  He liked to “put himself first” (3 John 9).  That problem lay at the root of his poor and ungodly decisions.  He liked to “put himself first” as did the devil in his attempt to usurp the place of God (Isaiah 14:13).  He liked to put himself first though all that “is in the world,” including “the pride of life,” “is not from the Father (1 John 2:16).  He like to put himself first though Jesus taught otherwise: “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  But it shall not be so among you.  But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).  He like to put himself first, though Jesus Himself had set a contrary example in clothing Himself with humility and washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-17).  He liked to put himself first, though such behavior is inconsistent to the true nature of God’s kind of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).  He liked to put himself first, though God’s shepherds are to be “not domineering over those in (their) charge” (1 Peter 5:3).  He liked to put himself first, as do too many leaders (Philippians 2:21).  He liked to put himself first and thus met with God’s opposition (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). 

“Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue.  And so pride, or loss of this humility, is the root of every sin and evil.”

Andrew Murray

In his prideful ignorance, Diotrephes refused to acknowledge the authority of the Apostle John.  The disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20) was unloved and disregarded by Diotrephes.  John had witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  He had walked with Jesus and was sent out by Him.  The elderly apostle had faithfully served His Lord for some six decades.  He was there with Peter when the church was born.  In the years since, he had suffered much persecution and hardship for the sake of the gospel.  He had been mightily used by God in the salvation of souls and the planting of churches.  As a writer of inspired Scriptures, he was a man who “spoke for God as (he was) carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).  He possessed more experience in ministry than any other person alive on the planet, but Diotrephes refused to acknowledge his authority and even “talked wicked nonsense” against him (3 John 9). 

Pridefully confused Diotrephes ruled over his fiefdom with an iron will.  Contrary to Gaius’ good example of welcoming and supporting strangers (3 John 5-8), Diotrephes refused to welcome the brothers (3 John 10).  Diotrephes had more interest in furthering and strengthening his own position than furthering the gospel.  If others ventured to show hospitality to “the brothers,” Diotrephes “put them out of the church” (3 John 10).  Any threat to his rule was dealt with harshly, in an unloving and unwarranted manner.

The “Apostle of Love” dealt forthrightly with the problem.  Diotrephes’ arrogance and unbiblical manner were a contradiction, in word and deed, to the message of the gospel.  He was both a bad leader and bad example, a divisive figure and a detriment to the cause of Christ.  He liked to be first, and deemed himself important, but he was a small man in the sight of God.  Diotrephes put himself first, but he had things turned upside down.  According to God’s measure, “if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).  In his desire to be first, Diotrephes gained nothing but a lasting legacy of a terrible example that we should all be careful to avoid.

The problem with pride is that God hates it.  But He gives grace to the humble.

Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today