Tag: forever
Three Angels of God’s Mercy
Scripture reading for December 18: Revelation 14
“And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 14:9-12
Following John’s vision of the beasts and the mark of the beast received by those deceived by the false prophet and antichrist, John saw three angels, each bearing a message of invitation or warning. The first angel preached an eternal Gospel to all people still dwelling on the earth. He invited all to fear God and give Him glory and worship Him as Creator and Lord. (Revelation 14:6-7) The second angel followed warning or declaring the fall of Babylon the great, the humanistic world system exalting man, rebellion, and sexual immorality. (Revelation 14:8)
The third angel warned all of earth’s inhabitants of the coming judgment and wrath of God on those made in His image who have received the beast’s mark on their forehead or right hand. This angel told of torment by smoke and sulfur viewed by the Lamb and holy angels. He warned that this torment would last ‘forever and ever!’ This passage shows the mercy of our Lord giving all a final chance to repent of their idolatry, sexual immorality, greed and theft, and violence and murder. God truly does nothing by judgment unless He warns His people by the prophets and in this case angels. (Amos 3:7)
Have you received the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? As others look at how you live your life, would your decision to either repent and follow Jesus or live for yourself be easy to discern? Do you think that you have the seal of belonging to Jesus imprinted on your forehead?
Prayer: Father God, I humbly renew my acceptance of Your amazing invitation to honor You by repentance and faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and form Your heart and mind in me today afresh. May I declare Your invitation and broadcast warning to all You send me to. Amen.
Schemes in Jerusalem!
Scripture reading for May 18th: 2nd Samuel 7-8, 1st Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25
Acts 25: 8-12 “Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I hade done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against men, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.””
Paul had been in prison under Roman authorities in Ceasarea for over two years. He was charged by the Jewish religious leaders for violations of their law and insurrection. Even after two years, these leaders from Jerusalem were still plotting to kill Paul or have him moved to Jerusalem. Jesus had been crucified outside Jerusalem and they wanted Paul to die there too. But God had other plans and His plans stand forever. Paul was to go to Rome and the Roman government would pay for it. God would also deal with Jerusalem, razing it to the ground in the near future. But long term, God has plans for Jerusalem and Israel. He has chosen Zion and desired it for His dwelling place forever! His blessing will rest on her and His people forever as well! Amen!
Psalm 132:13-16 “For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place; “This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for confounding the schemes of those opposing Your plans and for fulfilling Your will. Thank You for Your abundant blessings of salvation, clothing of Your people in righteousness and filling them with peace and joy through the Holy Spirit–Who finds His resting place inside Your people! This is the greatest blessing! May it continue forever and ever!
1st Chronicles 17:27 “Now You have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before You, for it is You, O Lord, Who have blessed and it is blessed forever.”