Tag: don’t fear
The Keeper of the Keys!
Scripture reading for December 21: Revelation 1-3
Our goal has been to encounter Jesus in each book or letter and gain an understanding of Him that equips us to live out our faith in an authentic manner. The title “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” gives us an immediate understanding that this last book is all about Jesus Christ! It was written by John the beloved disciple while he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9) He was worshiping the Lord on a Sunday when he heard a voice speaking to him. Upon looking, he saw Jesus and heard Him speak to him a message that was to be written down for the churches that John served.
John describes the vision of Jesus in this first chapter of Revelation. Jesus appeared in such glory and power that John fell down as a dead man. (Revelation 1:17) We who are pentecostal might say that John was slain in the Spirit! Jesus touched John and spoke again. “Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17b-18)
John was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. He and many others were suffering for their faith in Jesus. Some had already died, quite probably all the other disciples who walked with Jesus as John did. During this special worship time, Jesus came in visible form and then spoke words of faith and encouragement to his beloved apostle.
Jesus is the Keeper of the keys of death and Hades! Satan was not in control and neither was Rome! Human authorities and governments have no power except that granted by our Lord for His purposes. Even though death looks permanent to us, Jesus conquered death and Hades and rose from the dead. He took the keys from Satan and holds the key for our deliverance from there as well! By faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from our sins and their power to hold us in Satan’s abode. Jesus was dead and now lives forever as the first fruits of them that will live forever! What encouragement this truth gives to us!
Christians rejoice that death has no power over us and the grave is not to be feared! Faith is the victory and we can rest assured without fear of what is to come! We know the One Who is alive forever and has the keys! He has unlocked death and Hades for us who believe on Him!
Only believe!
Scripture reading for February 16th: Mark 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 5:35-36 “While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher any more? Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”
Jairus had come in faith to Jesus for healing of a daughter that he knew was dying. Jesus had responded and went with him to minister to his daughter. On the way, another hurting woman reached out and touched Jesus’ garment and He felt divine healing power flow from that exchange. He stopped and after identifying the woman, declared that her faith had healed her. But bad news arrived from Jairus’ home–his daughter was dead! The servant told him not to bother Jesus any more!
As Jairus was contemplating what to do, Jesus spoke a simple word of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Believers must never feel that bringing a need to Jesus is bothering Him in any way! We must hold onto our trust and press on. Simply resting in Christ Jesus brings us peace and fear must leave!
Observations for over-comers: Even in the face of an impossible situation, running to Jesus in faith is the answer to receiving a miracle! In the face of bad reports, we cling to our faith to see it become sight! “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, . . .” (Psalms 31:22-23)