December 29
Revelation 11:1-14:20
The contrast between those who are aligned with Jesus and against him is never clearer than in Revelation. We are first introduced to two witnesses who are prophets and are given power to send down fire from heaven. Yet these allies of God will be killed, and their enemies will rejoice as if it is a worldwide holiday. God is opposed by a powerful threesome of a dragon, a beast out of the sea, and a beast out of the earth. The dragon is Satan, and the beast out of the sea is a world power largely represented by one king who will demand and receive worship. The beast out of the earth, a false prophet, will demand everyone bow before the demonic king. In contrast to these three beings, we are taken to heaven where we see a lamb. A dragon and the two beasts versus a lamb seems like a lopsided battle because the lamb has all the power in the universe.
No matter what places itself in opposition to God, it will not last or win. This perspective keeps us from falling into fear and despair. As Revelation 13:10 says, "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people," which is then echoed in Revelation 14:12. No matter how terrible the odds seem to be, if we are with God, we will be victorious.
Father God, I am often overwhelmed by opposition to you. Help me to stay focused on you and the certainty that comes from knowing you will win in the end. May this knowledge give me the ability to persevere in love, hope, and joy today. Amen.
How can you retain endurance, faithfulness, joy, and peace when you consider everything that is opposed to God in the world?
The contrast between those who are aligned with Jesus and against him is never clearer than in Revelation. We are first introduced to two witnesses who are prophets and are given power to send down fire from heaven. Yet these allies of God will be killed, and their enemies will rejoice as if it is a worldwide holiday. God is opposed by a powerful threesome of a dragon, a beast out of the sea, and a beast out of the earth. The dragon is Satan, and the beast out of the sea is a world power largely represented by one king who will demand and receive worship. The beast out of the earth, a false prophet, will demand everyone bow before the demonic king. In contrast to these three beings, we are taken to heaven where we see a lamb. A dragon and the two beasts versus a lamb seems like a lopsided battle because the lamb has all the power in the universe.
No matter what places itself in opposition to God, it will not last or win. This perspective keeps us from falling into fear and despair. As Revelation 13:10 says, "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people," which is then echoed in Revelation 14:12. No matter how terrible the odds seem to be, if we are with God, we will be victorious.
Father God, I am often overwhelmed by opposition to you. Help me to stay focused on you and the certainty that comes from knowing you will win in the end. May this knowledge give me the ability to persevere in love, hope, and joy today. Amen.
How can you retain endurance, faithfulness, joy, and peace when you consider everything that is opposed to God in the world?
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