Today’s reading is Revelation 21:1-22:21.

How is it that I’ve missed how Revelation and therefore, the Bible, actually ends. I’ve turned to the end of Revelation for years to point out that if we add to or take away from the book, then plagues will be added to us or our share will be taken from the tree of life. But that isn’t actually how the book ends. Now don’t misunderstand; those statements are still there and we need to take their warning. However, that isn’t how the book ends.

Go read it again.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

Wow!

I just don’t think there is much more to say other than thank Jesus for His grace. May His grace be with you as you enter a new year. Seek to know Him this year. Seek to be in Him this year. Seek to have the righteousness that comes by faith in Him this year (Philippians 3:8-9). 

***Question: What do you plan to do in 2010 to help you grow in Christ and His grace?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. Don’t forget, we’ll be right back here on Monday starting in the book of Luke. I’ve learned a lot this year, reading through the New Testament. I plan to learn more as I keep reading. I hope you will join me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today’s reading is Revelation 9:1-10:11.

Revelation 9:5 jumped out at me today.

“They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them…”

That reminded me of God’s instruction to Satan about Job in Job 2:6, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”

The difference between Job and the folks in Revelation is that Job hadn’t been living in sin before this, but by the time he was done with this temptation he repented of the sins he had committed (Job 42:6). The folks in Revelation didn’t repent no matter what discipline they saw, even after another trumpet was blown and plagues killed mankind.

“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).

I can’t help but think of some of the devastating things that happen in our world. I’m not saying that tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes are the direct judgment of God (though they might be). However, there is no doubt that God allowed them to happen. These great displays ought to cause those who remain behind to repent and turn to God, seeking the life and salvation He offers. Sadly, it seems that most often these cause folks to become more entrenched in sin believing God must not be out there. That is really not logical. It is as if folks believe because God allowed something they don’t like, He must not exist. That is no evidence either way. The thing we need to see is that life is a vapor. Death is coming. It may come from cancer. It may come from a car wreck. It may come from a hurricane. It may simply come from old age. But it is coming. Repent now. Glorify God now. Turn from idolatry now. Do these things while there is still time for you to glorify God and draw close to Him. Remember what we learned yesterday. He is the one who holds salvation.

***Question: What forms of idolatry still plague the world today?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC