December 29–Revelation 15-19

Readers Notes: as we come near the end of another year, I want to express my appreciation to those who faithfully read Scripture and this blog. My hope is that every day of the previous year you found some new truth, some new focus for your thoughts. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable. . .that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As we begin a new year, I am excited to devote new hours to this work. What a privilege to reflect on God’s word and to pray for friends who are my companions in this holy and happy pursuit.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems. . .from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron” (19:11, 15).

It is finished! Christmas, I mean. Traces of a happy celebration still linger in our home. The Christmas tree is still up. Lights and nutcrackers and wrapping paper are gradually finding their way back into boxes and closets.

The relative quietness of this week allows time to ask an important question. What did we need for Christmas? REALLY need? Really NEED? What should have been our prayerful pursuit?

John knew the answer. What we need (have needed SO long) is Christ! We need the King to come, the True Lord present in glorious strength. Only He can settle this restless world and bring order and peace. “God with us” is the ancient Christmas prophecy. ”God with us” is still the needed cure.

Humans don’t do well without authority. Never have. When “self” rules, our lives decay into cruelty and emptiness. History is proof enough. We weren’t created for independence. Union and trust is our true identity. We need Jesus to come and rule. An authority that brings universal righteousness and blessing back to this planet. When He is Prince there will be peace. See Isaiah 9:6.

In Revelation 19, John describes this happy event. Not something to be dreaded or avoided, except by those who resist Him. Happy coming! The very climax and hope of the universe. Hallelujah! The King comes! Things will be better now!

As I sat in a candle-lit sanctuary on Christmas Eve, it became clear. The prayer that needs to be prayed is, “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” As we begin a new year together, dear one, will you pray it with me?

“He who testifies these things says, ‘Yes. I come quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

December 28–Revelation 10-14

“I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it; and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter” (10:10).

Before the seventh (and final) trumpet, John sees a strong angel coming down from heaven with a little book in his hand. It is little because the contents are relatively small. Simple truths are contained in it. It is not like the seven-sealed scroll (containing the full outcome of God’s plan in history). See Revelation 5. The little book is open. Not a secret. Accessible.

Some think this little book is the Bible. Others think it is the gospel. Others believe it a symbol of all that we know about God through His gracious revelation of Himself. 

John is commanded to eat the book. To internalize it. To willingly receive it. To take it into himself. All believers in every age have the same command. We are to “receive the word of God implanted” (James 1:21). We are to eat it. Digest it. Make it our food.

Eating the book was sweet for John. Like honey. Those who receive God’s word discover confidence and joy. “It is sweet because the future is sweet for the believer” (J. Vernon McGee). But it was also bitter. “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations” (v. 11). The truth of God is not good news to the lawless world. We who believe and speak God’s word will experience the push-back that comes. The book is sweet because it speaks of salvation, bitter because it calls us to declare an unpopular message.

Ezekiel 2 and 3 is an almost identical story. The prophet is instructed to eat the book. When he does, he has the same experience. Sweet, then bitter. God’s explanation? “Take into your heart all My words. . .Go to the exiles. . .and tell them, whether they listen or not, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ ” (3:11).

I pray that you know the sweetness of God’s word in your own experience. I pray that your time in Scripture and prayer brings a peace that passes understanding to your heart. I pray also for great courage as you rise from your quiet time to tell His truth in a rebellious age. 

“In for a dime, in for a dollar,” says the old proverb. None of us can have only the sweet part of God’s word. True love is loyal, even when the reaction of others is negative.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

December 27–Revelation 5-9

“When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8).

What if I could tell you where your life is going? (Not me, of course, but the Scripture). As Wayne Gretzky famously said, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” If you could see your future, would you get ready?

The word revelation (apocalupsis, note the English word apocalypse) means “an uncovering, an unveiling” of spiritual and future reality. “It is as though the great doors (of heaven) swing open, and visions of glory appear” (G. Campbell Morgan).

In the future, we will see a LAMB. No longer seated on the throne of God, He will now be standing. Powerful symbol. The glorified Christ, prepared for actions that will bring the present order to an end.

In the future, we will see the LAMB’S WORTH. Only He is qualified to open the scrolls of the predetermined and perfect will of God. Only He is the agent of justice and power to initiate these final days. In the future, the Father’s great love for His Son will be made clear to all. “Worthy is the Lamb to open the scrolls.” See 5:9.

In the future, we will see the LAMB’S WRATH. It is impossible to read this book and not be aware of the awful power of Christ as He overcomes those who have refused/rejected His legitimate rule. Without apology or regret, after much patience, seal after seal, trumpet after trumpet, the wrath of God will pour out on a rebellious world. Even in this great judgment, “they did not repent” (9:20).

In the future, we will see the LAMB’S BLOOD. “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”(7:14). By His death on the cross, the Lamb accomplishes redemption. Robes washed white. Sin paid in full. His people clean.

At the beginning of the gospel, John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb.” At the end of time, the Father will point every eye to the same Savior. Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, and a new age will begin!

In the future, dear one, you will see the LAMB. Will you use your life and time to get ready?

December 26–Revelation 1-4

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So, it is to be. Amen” (1:7).

It is both a love letter and a warning. The Revelation (literally, “uncovering”) is a message from Christ to help His friends see invisible and future realities. As the last book of the Bible, The Revelation promises a blessing to those who read and heed its prophetic words. See 1:3.

The Revelation declares the coming of Christ. The “Second Coming,” some call it. Better, I think, to name it the “Glorious Coming”.

In the clouds. With angels. A visible and cosmic event. Both awful and beautiful. The Glorious Coming will mark the end of God’s great patience with the human race. It will express His judgment against human rebellion. In Christ, creation will circle back to innocence and order.

It will be a time of great sadness for those who have refused Christ. Out of His mouth a sharp sword. Eyes like a flame. “The tribes of the earth will mourn.” (1:7)

It will be a time of great joy for those who love the Lord. “In the future there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8, italics mine).

Modern believers are stronger and happier who return to this heritage of hope. As the early church prayed, so should we, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus!”

For the past month, Christians across the world have observed Advent. It is a Latin word that means “coming”. In this celebration, we have remembered and reenacted the long years that believers waited for the birth of Jesus. In the same way that believers waited before the birth of Christ, we wait now for His glorious return. Friend, is your head up? Are your eyes set on the horizon of this promised event?

“For the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:10-11)

December 25–2-3 John, Jude

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).

“Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless One should be celebrated in every home” (G. K. Chesterton).

It is my favorite memory of my father. Soul-stirring. Made more so by his passing a few years ago. Every Christmas Eve, to our gathered family, my father read the Christmas story (Luke 2).

Fitting. In the Jewish and Christian faith, the home is as much a place of worship as the church house. In Deuteronomy 6, God commissions parents to teach children the commandments. Not a task to be delegated. This duty belongs in the home. Standing firm on this bed-rock value, the Father hallowed family life by sending His son into a family. For the Creator, there is no place more sacred.

In his second letter, John writes to “the chosen lady.” A female believer? A symbol for a particular church? No one knows for sure. Either way, the Apostle’s words reflect a high view of the home and the role it is to play in our faith. Whoever this lady is, her home is to be a place of theological purity and strength. She is to “guard the door” against people or teachings that are false. Kind but convicted. Strong and soft. She is to be a “velvet covered brick” (Howard Butt).

It is a reminder to me. To you as well, I hope. Our homes are to be happy places. Even more importantly, they are to be holy places.

“No matter what, I always make it home for Christmas” (Dolly Parton).

“Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.”–Deuteronomy 12:28.

Merry Christmas, everyone! May the light of Christ shine out from our HOMES on this holy and happy day!

December 24–1 John

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son does not have the life” (5:11-12, italics mine).

The Christmas promise is “God WITH us”(Immanuel). Another way the Scripture describes this great gift is that we are IN Christ.

It is a mystical union, no question. Jesus prayed for us to be one with Him, just as He was one with the Father. The Christian life begins with the loss of individual autonomy as the believer joins his/her life to Christ.

As in marriage, we become one with Jesus. He the Groom, we (the church) His bride. Sharing His name, surrendering our self-determination, He becomes our righteousness, our identity and destiny. Paul describes it with these words. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives IN me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith IN the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20, capital letters mine).

The life that comes from this union is eternal. Literally the “life of the ages” (aionios). It is connected to and shares the characteristics of permanent reality. Time-transcending! Infinite! This LIFE flows from the Father to every person who “has” the Son.

Be careful, here. Ours is an active union, never passive or overconfident. John says it must be walked out in love for others, obedience to the commandments and witness to Christ. His power works! His people work!

Today is Christmas Eve. As you worship tonight, will you regard the light of each candle with new eyes? Will you look at the flickering flame as a sign of the Light that has come into the world? Will you “hear” in each candle the call of God for you to join your life to Him? He is light. You are to be light, too.

Merry Christmas, dear reader. There is no power in knowing ABOUT Christ. The life He promises is found IN Him. “I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you” (John 14:20).

December 23–2 Peter

“So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”–1:19

The world is no friend to God. Peter knew it very well. In his second letter, the old fisherman speaks with an honest and sad heart about false teachers, error, coming judgment and the ever- present danger of falling away.

In this dark hour, believers have a shining lamp giving comfort and guidance. The words of the prophets were “made more sure” by Christ. (Specifically, Peter has in mind the Transfiguration, see Matthew 17. In a larger sense, the Apostle believed the Savior’s whole life was a confirmation of all the prophets declared).

Writing this blog the past 12 months has been an eye-opener for me. Walking slowly through the Scripture, I have discovered anew the size and significance of the prophetic books. SO much of the Bible is the product of their hand. SO often Jesus pointed to them as the true heroes of our faith. When the Bible says, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” (Revelation 19:10) it reminds us that our work is very much like theirs. They (and we) were called to speak faithfully the truth from God. Facing criticism and ridicule, the prophets were loyal to God’s word. Their lives are examples to us.

Soon, a new day will dawn and we will no longer need a lamp. When the Lord comes, every believer will have living confirmation of the promises of Scripture. This coming Day should motivate us to keep believing, to keep speaking.

Friend, tomorrow night as you stand in a Christmas Eve service and hold a candle and sing “Silent Night,” will you thank God for the prophets who, often in great danger and social stigma, courageously held up the light of a promised Messiah? Hearing their words, observing their lives, will you stand with them now to give testimony to Christ and His coming?

A lamp is shining! Will you hold it up for others to see? Will you walk forward in the light it gives?

December 22–1 Peter

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. . .as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exaltation”(4:12-13).

We barely recognize him, now. Peter, the impetuous fisherman has become a wise shepherd. He measures words, encourages the flock with confidence in a bright future. Transformed in Christ, Peter has become a mature man.

Peter’s letter has two themes. The first is the GLORY TO COME. “A salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1:5). Generally connected with the appearance of Christ, Peter calls us to focus our attention forward, to live in hope. “An inheritance, imperishable and undefiled, reserved in heaven for you” (1:4). With an outlook he learned from Jesus, Peter teaches believers to cultivate a confident expectation of a glorious future.

Peter also speaks of SUFFERING. The sufferings of Christ (1:11). The sufferings of His people (4:12). At times unjust (2:19), at times a part of God’s universal judgment of the world (from which believers are not exempt), suffering is an expected part of every journey. See 4:17. Peter urges believers not to panic or retreat, rather to cast themselves in trust onto Christ. With a strength that only comes from the Spirit, we are to “keep on rejoicing”.

Profound confidence this! Because the coming future is glorious, believers can rejoice even in a painful present! Hope is stronger than sorrow. “For the joy set before Him (He) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

When we first meet him in the gospels, Peter is impetuous and proud. In Christ, he has become something quite different. Friend, is the same transformation happening in your own soul? Is where you are going keeping you going?

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace. . . will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you” ( 1 Peter 5:10).

December 21–James

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:2-4).

“No one is perfect.” Familiar wisdom. If perfection means the absence of moral failure, the claim is indisputably true.

In Scripture, however, “perfect” is more functional than moral. The word is teleios. It is a form of the same word Jesus cried on the cross. “Finished!” Describes something that has become or accomplished what was originally intended.

This kind of perfection is attainable for every person! Restored in Christ, we become able to do the good works for which He made us. See Ephesians 2:10. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work”(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Never let the enemy rob of this confidence! Perfection in the sense of successful life, a life of God’s approval, is a very real possibility!

The price, says the Spirit, is patience. Endurance. The path of Christ is not fast or convenient. Like the Magi of the Christmas story (Matthew 2), we are given light and called by it to a long and faithful search for Christ and the privilege of pledging allegiance to Him. Like the Magi, we are to search. Finding Him, we are to kneel and worship.

Is it possible to be perfect? If you mean mature and useful, the answer is yes! Begin! Repent of your discouragement and your impatience! Keep walking! Let endurance have its perfect result! The journey is your gift.

It is what wise men do.

“Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We would like to skip the intermediate stages. . .and yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability, and that it may take a very long time” (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin).

December 20–Hebrews 11-13

What is faith?

“Faith is the faculty of the soul which deals with the spiritual realities of the future and the unseen” (South African pastor, Andrew Murray).

Just as our senses help us connect with the physical world, faith is our capacity to apprehend the spiritual world. As we trust the word and character of God, we rightly grasp what we cannot (yet) see.

In Hebrews 11, the writer offers similar insight. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1).

Faith is ASSURANCE. Hupostasis, “that which stands under”. Like huge girders under a bridge, faith is the strong foundation upon which God builds all He has promised. By faith, we step up onto a supernaturally secure rock (Jesus), the cornerstone of a grand building project. Faith is the undergirding strength for all that will come in the life of the believer.

Faith is CONVICTION. Far from being irrational or mindless (remember the boy who defined faith as, “believing things that you know aren’t true?”) faith is a sober decision regarding, “true truth.” Elencho was a word used for verdicts in court cases. It is a conclusion we reach based on evidence presented. Faith is a verdict we come to as we reflect on the truth of God and Christ and Spirit and Scripture. From these, we reach a decision that the right response is to believe God. This reasonable conclusion is called faith.

To these offered definitions, the writer attaches many examples. Abel. Enoch. Noah. Abraham. These stories reinforce the truth that faith is the only way that men find approval with God. See 11:2.

The visible world is a great temptation for us. Seeing it, we tend to see ONLY it. By God’s grace, believers come to realize the reality and dignity of an invisible, eternal world. As we reach convictions regarding this invisible world, as we step up onto it, resting our weight on its undergirding strength, we are saved. Faith is belief in God’s character and word. It comes from the heart rather than the eyes. Those who trust God discover the stability and integrity of His help.

“Your faith has made you well,” said Jesus to the woman in Mark 5. Yes, and it always will!

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

“You cannot know, you can only believe–or not” (C. S. Lewis).