Category: Revelation–BibleTrekToday
The Throne in Heaven
Scripture reading for December 4: Revelation 4
“After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first Voice, which I 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,. . .” Revelation 4:1-5
John, Jesus’ disciple and apostle, got to see a door standing open in heaven and was invited by Jesus to come through the door. The purpose Jesus revealed to John was that he was to see the events that would unfold on earth and in heaven after this time. We are told in Scripture not to seek out those who use the occult to know the future because only God knows what is to come. Here Jesus by grace invited John to come up through the door to heaven. I believe that Jesus, Himself, is the Door (John 10:7) and Good Shepherd Who leads us. (John 10:3, 11) John responded by faith accepting Jesus’ invitation.
Upon entering the door, John beheld the throne of heaven and the One seated there. He was shown the tremendous glory and color and light that radiated from the throne, comparing it to precious jewels that sparkled with amazing color. He also noted the rainbow around the throne that was like an emerald. This rainbow speaks of God’s promise to never destroy the earth with water and God’s mercy to Noah and those on the ark. Around the throne were twenty-four other thrones with elders seated, clothed in white and crowned. This fulfilled Jesus’ promise to His disciples that He would be seated on a glorious throne and they would have twelve thrones to judge the tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28) From this throne came lightning and thunder, reminders of God’s judgment and holiness. There were also seven torches of fire, speaking of the Holy Spirit and cleansing judgment. This throne is the center of all authority and power.
As you read this description of heaven, how do you process your own readiness to respond to Jesus’ invitation to come up there? Have you entered a relationship with Jesus Christ as the Door and Shepherd?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for extending the invitation to come through heaven’s Door to all people. Help me today to focus on Jesus Christ and share this wonderful news of a Savior and Shepherd. Amen.
The Invitation!
Scripture reading for December 3: Revelation 3
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothes yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:15-20
Jesus Christ was personally dictating to John His prophetic Word for each group of believers. This seventh short letter was to the Laodicean’s who were complacent with their spiritual condition and were under the delusion that they had all they needed of Jesus and were secure in their salvation. Jesus gave them a different perspective on their true condition. They thought they were rich but they were really poor. They thought they were prosperous and had God’s blessing and favor, but Jesus revealed that they were poor and pitiful, blind and naked. Their eyes had been blinded to the truth and they needed eye salve from Him to bring healing.
Jesus revealed that it was His love for them that was behind the letter He dictated. Discipline and reproof were because of His desire to see them healed and truly blessed. Jesus longed to have a true relationship with these who claimed to know Him. He described His position outside of their lives as One who stood at their door knocking and calling out to them. They must hear His call and respond by opening their door. All who would do that would be able to sit with Jesus at table and eat with Him. They would receive true riches of a relationship with God and real clothing of righteousness to cover the shame of their nakedness. Jesus would apply eye salve to restore their sight and bring His world view into focus.
Have you examined your own spiritual condition? How do you think that Jesus Christ would address you today concerning that condition? As you listen to this passage, what action do you need to take in response to Jesus’ love and discipline?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing love and watchfulness over Your people. Thank You for straight talk concerning my need to repent. I need the gold of faith that comes from hearing Your Word. I need the robe of Your righteousness to cover me. Anoint my eyes that I may see Your glorious face. Amen.
The Crown of Life
Scripture reading for December 2: Revelation 2
“”And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The Words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life. “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of Life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” Revelation 2:8-11
The glorious and resurrected Jesus Christ revealed Himself to John on the prison-island of Patmos and there gave him personal letters to deliver to each of the seven church that John was elder over. This devotion is taken from the short letter to the church at Smyrna that was at that time under severe persecution and poverty. Jesus introduced Himself as the “First and the Last, Who died and came to life.” Jesus wanted this church to know that He was before all things and would exist after all things. He reminded them of His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. A vision of Jesus in victory would help His people to stand firm.
Jesus then told the church that He knew about their tribulation and their poverty because of it. He knew about the slander spoken against them by those who were religious Jews but void of God’s Spirit. Jesus reminded them that they were really rich through adoption into God’s family. Jesus told them not to be afraid of the suffering that would come to test their faith. The suffering would have a set time and then pass. If believers would be faithful to Jesus, even unto death, they would receive the Crown of Life eternal awarded to all overcomers! They would conquer death and the devil by faithfulness and faith and the second death would not hurt them. Christ’s blood would shield them from eternal fire.
Have you considered the possibility of a time of tribulation and suffering because of your faith in Jesus? How does this world view clash with our current culture of health, wealth and prosperity? What did Jesus mean to have ears to hear the Spirit is saying to the churches in this letter?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, the First and Last. Persecution for the Name of Jesus is certainly in our world today and many have died for their stand of faith. Help me to stand firm and use my ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I am desiring the Crown of Life! Amen.
Jesus Christ is Coming!
Scripture reading for December 1: Revelation 1
“John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits Who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings on earth. To Him Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen.” Revelation 1:4-7
The final letter in the New Testament Scriptures deals with the things that were, the things that are, and the things that are to come. This letter has an amazing impact on the world view of any who will read and heed its message. Through this letter, God reveals His plan to bring all things together, in heaven and on earth, under the Kingship of His Son. This letter is written to the seven churches in Asia that were under the oversight of the Apostle John, who was now in his old age and imprisoned by Rome.
The Greek word for “revelation” is “apocalupsis” which means the lifting of a veil or covering that brings a revelation of what has been hidden. In this letter, Jesus is lifting heaven’s curtain on how God views all of history, past, present, and future. Jesus reveals special messages for the churches that gather to worship Him regularly. He gives promise of blessing for those who will hear and heed His Word. John portrays Jesus as the “Faithful Witness” Who testified of the Father’s love and mercy. Jesus also was the “Firstborn of the dead” in that He alone was raised bodily in power and glory and ascended to heaven as a glorified man. Jesus is also the “Ruler of all the kings of the earth”. No earthly power or authority is over Him. He reigns forever and is coming on the clouds of glory. At the time of His return, every eye will see Him, even those who had pierced Him! There will be much wailing from those of earth. Those of heaven will rejoice!
Have you considered Who Jesus Christ really is right now at this moment? Does your world view include the possibility of Jesus Christ coming on the clouds of heaven? Being honest with yourself, will you rejoice at seeing Him or will you wail and mourn?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving us and revealing that love through Your Son and His giving of his blood for our salvation. I believe Jesus is coming again, and soon. I rejoice at His return! Use me to share this Good News. Amen!
Guard your heart!
Scripture reading for July 4: Romans 16
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Romans 16:17-20
As Paul closes his letter to the believers in Rome naming many of them personally. He appeals to them as a brother in Christ, assuring them God knows their names. Watchfulness is encouraged because of those in the church that work against the Lord Jesus to cause divisions and create obstacles. Paul’s teaching of sound doctrine and the whole counsel of God would help them identify such threats to their unity and avoid them. They must recognize that there is a spiritual war going on and Satan, their enemy, wants to steal their unity and peace. Those opposing them disguise themselves with ‘smooth talk’ and ‘flattery’ to gain control. Believers keep their focus on the Lord and obey the Word of God taught to them.
Paul encourages them that the “God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” This statement helps us understand that deliverance from the spiritual battle requires a long obedience and daily walk of faith. This means that they become wise to what is good and stay innocent of evil. God is with them and for them, but they must do the walking out of His Word, trusting Him to defend them and give them victory. It is by faith through grace that we will stand after the battle is over. Paul rejoiced over them even now for their obedient faith. God rejoices with them and us!
Does your current world view help you understand the spiritual war that is happening each day? Are you gathering with other believers to encourage each other in the need for perseverance? Have you experienced or noticed those in the Body of Christ that cause divisions or deception through flattery?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for spiritual leaders like Paul who love the Church and appeal to believers to encourage them. Give me discernment each day concerning Satan’s attacks and those used by him to cause division and distort Truth. Use me to encourage other believers to press on to victory. Amen.
The Gospel Mission
Scripture reading for July 3: Romans 15
“In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience–by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God–so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the Gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”” Romans 15:17-21
Paul was chosen by God to be an apostle, one set apart for a mission. Paul’s mission was given to him by Jesus Christ directly, to reach Gentiles in places where no one else had gone. The means of this mission was supernatural power through the Holy Spirit. Paul preached the ‘whole Gospel of Christ’ by teaching God’s Word, preaching the Gospel, and being led by the Holy Spirit in signs and wonders. Satan’s grip on people was being broken and through the Gospel souls were saved from destruction and glory was brought to Jesus Christ.
Paul did not want to take credit for anyone else’s labor. He had an urgency from Jesus through the Holy Spirit to go where the Gospel had never been preached. He had God’s heart for the lost there who had never heard of Jesus and did not understand even that they were lost. His world view was shaped by Jesus’ calling and the Holy Spirit’s leading in his life. God was leading him and working with Him through the Holy Spirit to reap a harvest in the dark areas of the earth. Treasures of darkness brought glory to God.
Have you ever experienced God calling you to follow Him and reach the lost? How does your view of the world and God’s desire to reach everyone affect your daily activities? Do you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to use you in preaching, signs and wonders, and reaching lost people?
Prayer: Father God, help me to have vision that gives me motivation and faith to fulfill the mission You have given all believers to go into the world with the Gospel. Teach me how to listen to the Holy Spirit and reach people who have never heard before. May all glory go to You now and forever! Amen.
Walking in love not judgment
Scripture reading for July 2: Romans 14
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” Romans 14:13-19
Paul was addressing those in the church that liked religious rules and traditions. Some believers in Jesus had come out of Judaism and still observed dietary laws. They judged Gentiles who were believers and ate anything. Others kept certain feast days in honor of God and judged those who did not. These outward traditions really did not affect their ability to follow Jesus in themselves. The bigger problem was the strife that this generated within Christ’s Body. Paul taught them not to pass judgment on one another, but to trust that God would straighten it all out on Judgment Day.
The key verse is, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Life in the kingdom doesn’t consist of rules or outward observances but rather is a matter of our heart. The King, Jesus, has given us His righteousness and now we all enjoy by grace a right standing in God’s family. Through the blood of Jesus, we have peace with God and are to have peace with our fellow believer. The kingdom is marked by the joy of the redeemed who have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and all His gifts and fruit. Because we are all on level ground at the foot of Jesus’ cross, we pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding of each other.
Have you ever experienced a judgmental attitude from someone in the church concerning your diet, make-up, or celebration of holidays honoring Christ? How did you respond towards that person? In light of Jesus’ instructions through Paul, how can you keep peace and mutually build up others?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s righteousness. Through the Spirit, remind me daily how to walk in love with other believers that may not live in complete freedom in manner of foods or drinks or outward appearance. Use me to keep peace and build up others. Amen.
Don’t resist God’s authority
Scripture reading for July 1: Romans 13
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he dos not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
We are born in sin. The underlying essence of sin is resistance and disobedience to rightful authority. Scripture makes it plain that all authority has been instituted by God. Authority is delegated by God to those He places in positions of authority. God ordains those in authority to protect the weak, innocent, and obedient members of society. He also empowers authority to restrain evil, rebellion and harm in those resisting authority. They are given power even to take life of certain law-breakers. Paul described this as being a servant of God’s wrath, avenging those involved in evil.
Resisting parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, or church leaders is resisting what has been established by God. Scripture directs believers to submit to those in authority. We are to honor and obey authority because we honor God. Those in authority are a protective covering supplied by God to the righteous, protecting them from wrong-doers. Paul clarified that we are subject to those in authority not only to avoid God’s wrath, but for conscience sake. God has placed a knowledge of right and wrong in us through conscience. We are to be at peace with God, our conscience, and authority.
What attitudes and actions display a resistance and disrespect of authority in our culture? Do you find that the view of all authority coming from God for your good is widely held by those around you? What are some ways that you might show honor to those God has placed over you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my rebellion against authority. I find myself justifying breaking laws, speaking evil of those in leadership I disagree with, and even resisting You and Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me to form new respect for Your authority and those you place over me. Help me! Amen.
Genuine love and service
Scripture reading for June 30: Romans 12
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:4-9
These last four chapters of Romans contain practical instruction for those who by faith have obtained right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul viewed the Church of Jesus as a human body with each member having different functions by God’s design and grace. Each person is different in their gifting and ability. These differences are necessary and designed by God to enable His Body, the Church, to function and fulfill His purposes. There are no gifts that are unimportant or to be looked down on. On the other hand, no gift is to cause pride or exaltation either. They are gifts given by God, not owned or earned by those having them. All are fit together by God into one Body with Jesus Christ as Head.
The bottom line is to live together with each other in genuine love and harmony. We are to serve one another and God with our giftings and giving and speaking and leadership gifts. We need each other and complement one another. We all have the choice of using our gifts or hiding them. God encourages us to use them to serve each other and Him. We must hate and resist evil and love and cling to what is good. Love in our hearts by God’s Holy Spirit empowers us with gifts and the heart to serve willingly!
Have you taken time to examine what gifts God has given you to serve others? Are you envious of the gifts of others? What steps might be useful today in your life to show genuine love for others in Christ’s body, the Church?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for making each of us special and different in giftings. Forgive me when I have been jealous or envious of others abilities and gifts. Fill me with the love of the Holy Spirit and help me to use my giftings and abilities to humbly serve others with joy. You are worthy of my service! Amen.
God’s amazing mercy and wisdom!
Scripture reading for June 27: Romans 11
“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable are His ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?” For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:32-36
As we have been listening to God through the writings of Paul, we have been challenged to expand our world view to see God’s grand vision of showing mercy to all men and women, Jew or Gentile. All people are shut away from God through disobedience. The Jews have broken God’s law and covenant. The Gentiles have violated God’s laws known through conscience. Not one person has right standing before God through their own effort or works. We humbly come to God as debtors needing mercy and grace.
No religion of man or wisdom of man can add to what God has planned and accomplished in Jesus. God stands above all in wisdom. His ways are holy and just. He is merciful and mighty. He has created all things and all things belong to Him. He needs nothing but deserves all glory and honor forever and ever! His people can only fall down in worship and adoration at the free gift of salvation through Jesus the Christ. All creation owes its existence to the One Who created it all and holds it together by His powerful Word. All creation awaits the final revelation of God’s Glory in His Son as King of kings and Lord of lords!
How has God expanded your world view through hearing His Word? How have you responded to God’s revelation of His wisdom and mercy through Jesus Christ? Do you regularly worship God and gather with His redeemed people to expand your understanding of this Amazing God we know and love?
Prayer: Father God, I worship You and adore You as Creator, giver of the Good News, the Source of all wisdom and power. I have nothing to offer You, but my sincere praise, my heart as Your domain, and my feet to go into Your world and share Your Good news. To You be all glory and praise, now and forever. Amen.