TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 13
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. - Revelation 13:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
After God miraculously rescued Peter from Herod’s fortress, Scripture underscores that God had authority and power. Herod went on vacation to Caesarea, where people from Tyre and Sidon approached him begging for peace because they depended on him for their food supply. Herod delivered a public address, and the groveling people declared: “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” Herod accepted their flattery, and because he did not direct the praise toward God, “an angel of the LORD struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died” (Acts 12:19-25).

People are willing to direct false worship toward religious and political leaders rather than God. In our passage today we see the demonstration of this false worship and its deadly consequences.

Notice the words the people proclaimed regarding Satan’s deputy, the Beast: “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?” (v. 4). We know the end of the story and so know the answers to these questions, but they are startling in their similarity to the praise directed toward God (see Ps. 76:7; Mal. 3:2). Rather than acknowledge the true God, people turned to these false political and religious leaders—empowered by Satan—and attributed worship to them.

Next, notice that true and false worshipers are distinguished by their marks. God’s redeemed people had their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (v. 8). Those who worshiped the Beast received his mark, the number of his name (v. 17). This mark allowed people to participate in the economy and presumably pursue a “normal” life. But true wealth doesn’t come from buying and selling, and only the mark of your name written in the Book of Life ensures salvation.

The worship called for in this passage is shown by “patient endurance and faithfulness” (v. 10). God knows about tribulation and trials. He knows Satan makes war against His people. He urges His people to be faithful, for suffering and death cannot remove a name from the Book of Life. Even when evil seems the most powerful, we worship by faithfully obeying the Lord.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We generally prefer worship of joyful exuberance instead of faithful endurance. But we will encounter both seasons in our lives, and the Lord asks us to remain faithful to Him no matter what sorrows or successes we encounter. If you are tempted to worship the false gods of our culture—lying to get ahead at work, cheating on your spouse, believing salvation comes from political leaders—re-orient your worship toward God alone. We might not achieve material success, but we have eternal salvation!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 14
Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. - Revelation 14:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
After his dramatic demonstration of God’s power on Mount Carmel, in the very next chapter the prophet Elijah was cowering under a broom tree in the desert. Elijah complained to God, “The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord instructed him for his future ministry—and also assured him that he was not alone, for seven thousand people in Israel had not worshiped Baal (1 Kings 19).

After our reading yesterday, we might feel a bit like Elijah. It seemed that the whole world had turned to worship the Beast and evil ran rampant. As if to reassure us, the next picture in the book is the Lamb with 144,000 who were not marked by the Beast but who instead bore the name of God (v. 1). Yesterday we saw that the worship of faithful endurance is the right response to evil. Today we see that worship is also the right response to God’s righteous judgment.

Thank God that Revelation 13 is not the end of the story! Right as Satan and the Beast and evil seem to be taking over the world, Scripture reminds us that the Lamb is worshiped, and God’s judgment is sure.

The sequence of the three angels is interesting: the first angel proclaimed the gospel and instructed everyone to worship God our Creator and Judge (v. 7). The second angel announced the fall of Babylon the great, and the third angel extended the announcement of judgment to include all those who accepted the mark of the Beast (vv. 8-11). Whereas the Beast had tormented the people of God, now those who offered false worship to the Beast would find that their identity with him resulted in everlasting torment.

In contrast to their suffering, those who followed Jesus found rest and peace, even in death (v. 13, see Heb. 4:1-11). This should inspire renewed endurance, obedience, and faithfulness for the sake of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are in the final week before Christmas. Many gods and idols and cultural values tempt us to turn our focus from the Lord at this time—they offer security, comfort, possessions, or merriment for our worship instead. To keep your worship directed toward God, be inspired by the 144,000 and sing songs of praise today. You could gather friends and family to sing Christmas carols together. You could also seek out a new Christmas song to learn or listen to for your time of praise.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 15
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. - Psalm 86:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The escape of Israel from Egypt and Pharaoh featured powerful plagues and miraculous rescues. After the final plague of the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh granted Israel permission to leave. But he quickly changed his mind, sending his army out in pursuit. Trapped between Pharaoh’s mighty army and the Red Sea, Israel witnessed a miracle of both salvation and judgment—God parted the Red Sea for them to cross and then closed it over the army of Pharaoh. In response, Moses and Miriam led the people of Israel in an extended hymn of praise (Exodus 15).

Their praise foreshadowed the scene of praise in our passage today. Heaven celebrated the triumph of God, which included His salvation and His judgment.

First, note that God’s wrath is sure, and it will also be completed—the angels were tasked with pouring out the seven last plagues (vv. 1, 8). Wrath is not part of His character; instead, it is His work of judgment because of His holiness. That work will be done one day and His holiness will be satisfied, yet His love will extend forever.

Next, we see how to praise the Lord for His works of salvation and judgment. His deeds are “great and marvelous” and “just and true” (v. 3). Recognizing the works of God enables us to see reality; our understanding of truth and justice should be shaped by the way that God works in the world. When we recognize and praise His work, we are aligning our own character with His.

Finally, when we praise the Lord now we are getting a head start on the eternal praise for the Creator by all of creation. One day “all nations will come and worship” God for His righteous acts (v. 4). Like the Israelites after the crossing of the Red Sea, any time we exalt the Lord for what He is doing in our lives we are anticipating the praise of heaven. In this way, our praise even on earth connects us to the reality of the praise in heaven—our praise is a spiritual act that identifies us with God and His character and His works.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When we worship God, we are both recognizing what He has done in the past and being shaped to see what He will do in the future. In your time with God today, follow the example of Moses and Miriam and create a song, poem, or letter of praise for God’s work of salvation and judgment in your life. Offer this praise as a gift to Him in preparation for this upcoming Christmas celebration as well as preparation for an eternity of praise and worship.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 16
Do not take revenge . . . but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” - Romans 12:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2005, 19-year-old Ryan Cushing was riding in a car with friends. Just for fun, he threw a frozen turkey out the window, which crashed through the windshield of the car behind him, hitting Victoria Ruvolo in the face and nearly killing her. She suffered severe injuries and required numerous surgeries to repair her shattered face. After the young man pled guilty, Ms. Ruvolo appeared at the courtroom for his sentencing. He broke down in sobs, repeatedly telling her, “I’m so sorry.” Amazingly, Ms. Ruvolo embraced him, stroked his head as he wept, and requested that he not receive the penalty of 25 years in prison requested by the prosecutor. Her act of forgiveness touched the entire courtroom, and the judge honored her request and gave the young man a sentence of six months in jail plus probation.

The story of Ms. Ruvolo’s forgiveness seems entirely consistent with the exhortation in Romans 12 to abstain from revenge and instead offer our enemies food and drink if they need it (Rom. 12:17-21). How then do we reconcile the command to forgive with the depictions of God’s judgment in our reading today? We continue to examine what it means to worship God in response to His works of salvation and judgment. Today’s passage describes the bowls of God’s wrath being poured out on the unbelievers who had chosen to worship the Beast.

As we saw in Revelation 13, these people had rejected God and insisted on following the evil deception of Satan and the Beast. Even as the plagues intensified, the people refused to worship the true God (v. 9). Unlike righteous Job, they cursed God for their pain and sores and gnawed tongues (vv. 11, 21).

In contrast, the praise of heaven asserted that God is just and true (vv. 5-7). This is why God can exercise His wrath and we should not: His holiness ensures that His wrath is always fully just. He can truly see what men deserve. He has the perspective of eternity. He is God, and we are not. Therefore, the appropriate response to all His works is praise and worship.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God’s Word assures that every injustice we suffer is noted by God. While we follow the example of Jesus who extended forgiveness to His enemies, we know that our faithful, true, holy, loving God will respond to measure out justice. In this text, His wrath is directed toward those who have oppressed His “saints and prophets” (v. 6). If you need to forgive someone, know that you have the example of Jesus, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, and the true and just Father.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 17
The Lamb will overcome them . . . and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. - Revelation 17:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The apostle John once desired to rule the world with Jesus. He and his brother James asked Christ, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” When Jesus responded by questioning their willingness and ability to withstand the suffering and death required of Him, the two brothers eagerly assured Him, “We can!” Their readiness to rule blinded them to the truth of God’s kingdom: “Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:35-45).

We might be tempted to read today’s passage and think: Finally! Enough of our suffering and calling out for justice—we get to be victorious with Jesus! Like James and John, we look forward to the ruling without accounting for the prerequisites. We think of power and authority in earthly terms instead of heavenly ones. Our text today helps to correct our perspective.

We’ve already seen God’s wrath poured out on the unbelievers who worshiped the Beast. Now for two days we’ll see God’s judgment on the Beasts introduced in Revelation 13. First, notice that hatred of God and persecution of His people go hand-in-hand. The Beast is covered with blasphemous names; the woman on the Beast “was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus” (vv. 3, 6). Because we identify with God, we will also suffer opposition from the enemies of God, even to the point of death.

Next, we see that the victory of Christ includes the victory of His people. Though all the powers of the world were arrayed against the Lord, “the Lamb will overcome them” (v. 14). Every king was subject to His throne; every idolatrous religious ruler was subject to His Lordship. After the fulfillment of this prophecy, we will share in His triumph at His good pleasure, not because of our own might and strength. He has called us and chosen us. We are to remain faithful. The way to spiritual victory begins with our faithful witness for Christ even during persecution by the world.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
With two days before Christmas, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart for any pride or self-satisfaction. Are you willing to follow the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself first as a helpless baby and then sacrificed His life for others? Do you want to be a Christian for any prestige or advantage you might get? Are you impatient for God to elevate you without understanding that you must renounce yourself to follow Christ? If the Spirit convicts your heart, repent and seek to be a servant for the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 18
Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins. - Revelation 18:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Roman emperors had Christians killed because they would not agree that Caesar was a god. The Nazi government sent to concentration camps those Christians who disobeyed government orders by sheltering Jews. Christians in many countries throughout the centuries have found their access to work permits, voting, or marriage licenses blocked because of their witness for Christ.

In our passage today, we’ll see that worship includes our witness for God, which might put us in conflict with the values of the world. We’ll also see why our witness and worship is so important, and why earthly persecution is worth enduring for eternal gain.

As we saw yesterday, God’s judgment was unfolding against the Beast. In our text today we hear the announcement of Babylon’s fall—no matter how great any earthly kingdom or principality claims to be, their existence is subject to the permission of God (v. 2). Notice the descriptions here: rampant adultery and excessive luxury characterized Babylon (v. 3, see Rev. 17:4).

Next comes the clear call for God’s people to flee from this city, a call to reject the values that had tempted others into sin (v. 4). The pursuit of wealth had caused Babylon to put all confidence in her own strength and power (v. 7), utterly rejecting God and His people.

Go through the passage and note every reference to luxury and luxury goods. This does not mean that God hates wealth or that the so-called finer things of life are inherently sinful. It does point out, however, that being defined by wealth and material possessions is to be defined against God (see 1 Tim. 6:10). The pursuit of riches leads to a spiritual arrogance, a readiness to worship the false idols of Self and Stuff. God’s people are called to reject this value system. We are instructed to renounce the indulgence in sexual sins and greed, for these sins will be punished.

Babylon did not treat God’s “saints and apostles and prophets” well (v. 20). Still, while the world rewards our witness with persecution, God restores us with His protection.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s the last shopping day before Christmas! Stores are jam-packed with last-minute shoppers, and children (as well as adults!) can’t wait to open their presents. Especially at this time of year, our culture wants to turn Christmas into a celebration of greed, luxury, and materialism. These false idols threaten to distract us from worship. Pray about how you and your loved ones can be a witness for Christ this season, choosing His values instead of the world’s.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 19:1-10
Our LORD God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! - Revelation 19:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jesus’ first miracle revived the celebration of a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). He also told the Parable of the Ten Virgins, five of whom were prepared to celebrate the wedding when the bridegroom appeared (Matt. 25:1-13). The book of Ephesians presents an extended metaphor of marriage to describe the relationship between Christ and the church (5:21-33). A beautiful, godly marriage should reflect the reality of Jesus’ love for His redeemed people.

Every wedding and every marriage in history, as beautiful and loving as they might have been, pale in comparison to the wedding in our passage today! The worship of God resounds throughout these verses, beginning with a shout of praise for the Lord’s work of salvation: “Hallelujah!” (v. 1). Then a shout of praise went up for the Lord’s work of righteous judgment: “Hallelujah!” (v. 3). The elders and heavenly living creatures fell at the throne of God and cried: “Hallelujah!” (v. 4).

The crescendo of praise swelled into a great multitude; John described the sound as like “the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder” (v. 6). Because the Lord reigned, together they shouted: “Hallelujah!”

The heavenly marriage of the Lamb and His bride was an occasion for joy and worship. The people of God were delivered from their sin and their suffering. Next they were presented to their Savior clothed in righteousness, ready to be joined with Him for eternity (vv. 7-8). What a glorious event! God declared that all who were invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb were indeed blessed (v. 9).

Overcome with the scene, John fell down in worship—but it was misdirected toward the angel and not God! The angel corrected him: “Worship God!” (v. 10). We should never confuse God’s faithful messengers with God Himself. Our shouts of “Hallelujah!” must be offered to God, who has proven Himself faithful and true in salvation, judgment, power, and authority. He reigns! And the Lamb has chosen us for His bride! Hallelujah!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many families read one of the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth today, which is perfectly appropriate on Christmas, the celebration of His first coming. Consider also reading this passage aloud, spending a few moments this Christmas lifting your voices in praises of “Hallelujah!” As you go throughout the day’s celebrations, you could also keep music of praise on in the background, reminding you of the great celebration that awaits us at the wedding supper of the Lamb.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 19:11-21
He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. - Revelation 19:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every thrilling war story describes the two sides and their leader or hero, the setting of the conflict, and then the military strategy. The story then explains how the strategy will be executed and which side will emerge victorious. These elements comprise the drama in battle accounts including Homer’s Iliad, Judges 4, the Battle of Gettysburg, or the Battle of the Bulge.

Our text today describes the climactic battle of all history—and yet there’s almost no discussion of the military strategy, the pitch of battle, or the raging warfare. Instead, Scripture wants us to focus our attention, and our worship, in one direction: toward Jesus.

First, John describes heaven as standing open (v. 11). Earlier in the book he had referenced the open door of heaven, and here again he indicated he was giving us a scene from heaven itself (see 4:1). Then heaven opened wide to reveal Jesus, the Rider on a white horse. To underscore that Jesus is fully God, the first description provided was that He is “Faithful and True,” words used to describe God throughout the book (see 15:3; 16:7; 19:2). This title alerts us to the upcoming judgment in this passage. Jesus was given all authority (12:10), and He was preparing to unleash the wrath of God on the Beast, the False Prophet, and any aligned with them (v. 15).

Everything about evil is a perverted imitation of the truth of God. The Beast was covered in blasphemous names; Jesus has the name “King of kings and Lord of lords” (v. 16). The relationship between Jesus and His people led to the wedding supper of the Lamb; the relationship between the Beast and his followers resulted in the feast for birds on the flesh of rebellious sinners. The miracles of the False Prophet led unbelievers to destruction; the miracles of God protected and saved His people.

The battle was over before it began—the armies of earth were arrayed against Jesus and the armies of heaven, but instead of a description of the conflict, we see the execution of divine judgment. The Beast and False Prophet were thrown into the “fiery lake of burning sulfur” (v. 20), and their followers became a feast for the birds.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Worship aligns our hearts to see reality. We see that evil offers nothing that is original or valuable, only worthless imitations. Spend time praising Jesus, using the words from our text today. Also ask the Lord to use your praise to sharpen your spiritual perspective to recognize and choose the worthy things of God and not the temptations of evil. As a reminder, you can write King of kings and Lord of lords on a notecard or sticky note—we worship the Lamb who triumphs!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 20:1-6
They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him. - Revelation 20:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Worship is important because we begin to resemble what we worship. Psalm 115 exposes the folly of idols, for they are helpless, mute, blind, deaf, and lame. Not only are idols impotent, unable to communicate or meet any of our needs, but “those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them” (vv. 5-8). If what you worship is empty, you will be empty.

In contrast, when we worship the one, true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—we become conformed to His image (Rom. 12:1-2). As we worship the One who is Faithful and True, we become faithful and true followers. As we adore the God who is loving and holy, we are able to be loving and holy. And as we see in our passage today, if we worship the Lord who is King of kings and Lord of lords, we are also given the power and authority to reign with Him.

As we have proceeded through the chapters describing God’s righteous judgment against evil, we have seen the bowls of His wrath poured out on unbelievers, thejudgment of the woman, and Jesus’ victory over the Beast and False Prophet. Next, Satan himself was about to reap the reward for his evil deceptions and rebellion against God. In our passage today, he was bound for 1,000 years, demonstrating that he was subject to the will of God. This binding was a foretaste of his ultimate doom, which we’ll read about tomorrow.

A God powerful enough to bind Satan is also powerful enough to resurrect from death those who were faithful to His name (v. 4). Those who suffered the degradation of death for the sake of Jesus received the right to rule with Him. Not only would faithful believers reign with Christ for the thousand years of Satan’s bondage, but death could never again assert any claim over them.

Finally, note the words of blessing bestowed on believers: “Blessed and holy . . . priests of God and of Christ . . . reign with him” (v. 6). Worshipers of God become like Him!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One commentator observed: “[Believers] should draw instant conclusions for their actions and conduct: the magnitude of the promise rewards the effort, but at stake is nothing less than complete, indestructible fellowship with Christ.” This prophecy should motivate our present actions—the whole of our worship—in light of future promises. Is the character of Christ increasingly defining your existence? We will receive the consequences of our worship in eternity—will you be destroyed or redeemed?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 20:7-15
Another book was opened, which is the book of life. - Revelation 20:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1936, Toni Kurz, a German mountain climber, attempted to scale the imposing north face of the Eiger mountain in Switzerland. The expedition turned disastrous, with all three of his fellow climbers dying during their attempted descent. A storm made a rescue attempt for Kurz even more harrowing. After spending an entire night hanging on the side of the mountain exposed to the elements, and now with one arm frozen, Kurz received rope from his rescuers—but it was too short to reach them. He attempted to separate the rope and retie it, but as he worked his way to safety, the knot caught on his carabiner. Without the strength to lift himself up to free the knot, he died—just a few meters above the waiting rescue team.

Some people try to rescue themselves spiritually in a similarly tragic way. They trust their own works, or the advice of others, or a good reputation. Their hope of salvation lies in a patchwork of good deeds and intentions. Like Kurz’s rope, none of these things will be sufficient to bring salvation and spiritual safety. In our passage today, we see the final outcome of those who have trusted anything other than Jesus Christ.

The long-awaited final judgment of Satan is completed in our passage. After being loosed from hell, Satan remained consistent with his character of deception and rebellion against God (vv. 7-8). His resistance was futile; God cast him into eternal torment in the “lake of burning sulfur,” where he joined the Beast and False Prophet (v. 10).

Next, the scene shifts to the Great White Throne Judgment, where all the dead stood before the throne of God, subject to His judgment. The books were opened, and their deeds were evaluated. Ultimately, no sum of the deeds can equal salvation. The only hope of eternal life lies in having your name found in the Lamb’s Book of Life (v. 15). And only by trusting in Jesus and holding fast to Him can we have the eternal safety of life with God, escaping the judgment of the lake of fire (see Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Will you trust in Jesus, the secure rock of salvation? Or will you trust in the too-short rope of your own deeds? The answer is a question of eternal life and death. If you aren’t sure whether your name is in the Book of Life, surrender your life to God today, trusting that Jesus—the worthy Lamb—has died on the cross as the payment for your sin and been raised from the dead, defeating the power of sin and death. If you need to talk to someone, call 1-800-NEED HIM.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 21
It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. - Revelation 21:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In September, the Finn family experienced great joy and sorrow at the same time. Ashley Finn delivered a healthy baby boy. But there were complications during the delivery, and blood clots began to spread throughout her body. Within a week a clot made its way to her brain, causing a massive hemorrhage and death. And this was not the only tragic event that happened in that month, or that week, or even that day. All around the world people are suffering and grieving, powerless to prevent the death of a loved one. As Christians, how do we have hope in the face of such sorrow?

Part of the answer is found in our passage today. Sorrow is real in our world today—but this world will not last forever. For the last three days of our study we’ll see what Scripture says about the end of the story, which we can only know if we worship the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega (v. 6).

First, God fulfilled His promise to create a new heaven and a new earth (v. 1; cf. Isa. 65:17). Next, God fulfilled His promise to dwell in intimate communion with His people (v. 3; cf. Ezek. 37:27; Zech. 2:14). This intimacy means that God Himself will “wipe away every tear from their eyes.” God’s love and tenderness is combined with His power and faithfulness to result in the comfort of His people and the destruction of death, suffering, weeping, and distress—forever (v. 4). Never again can tragedy grip the lives of those who worship the Lord.

As you read verses 9 through 27, note all the beautiful descriptions used for this “bride, the wife of the Lamb” (v. 9). She was radiant with the glory of God, adorned with gold and precious jewels. She was open, not closed off (v. 25), and she was pure. Most spectacularly, there was no sun or moon, because the “glory of God is its light” (v. 23).

God’s redeeming work of history was complete (v. 6). He began history as Creator, and, at the conclusion of this prophecy, he had completed history as Redeemer and Judge. He alone is worthy of our faithful worship.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of God’s most precious promises—and a recurring theme throughout this book—is found in verse 7: “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” God knows the heartache we experience on this earth, but He has promised that in the new heaven and new earth no suffering or sin can reach us. What a motivation to worship this “trustworthy and true” God (v. 5)! Praise Him for His power and love and promises today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:1-11
In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and . . . a river watering the garden. - Genesis 2:9-10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The coda of a symphony is the final section that summarizes and concludes the piece of music. While a distinct musical section, it highlights earlier musical themes and refrains, pulling them together into a fitting finale for the entire symphony.

The analogy of a coda helps us to understand our passage for today. It continues to expand on the description of the heavenly city, the bride of Christ (see Rev. 21:9). And then it seems to repeat information we’ve already been told in the book. That repetition of themes highlights for us what we remember as the main themes of the entire symphony that is the book of Revelation.

The new information in this description of the city should cause us to reflect on God’s creation of the world, especially the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 2). There He had placed the Tree of Life, and a river running through the Garden. Now, in John’s account of the new creation of heaven and earth we again see God’s life-giving gifts, yet this time without any curse or Fall (vv. 1-3).

Next comes the repeated description of fellowship with God. We should be clear that eternity is not about freedom from pain and being surrounded by gold and gems. It is about communion with God that is face to face! Truly, can we even imagine what this fellowship will be like? The beauty and joy will also be real, but those things flow from our presence with God; they are the results of our communion with God, not the cause of our eternal bliss.

This section ends with a warning, one repeated from earlier in the book. As John beheld this vision, he fell down in worship—but at the feet of the angel (see Rev. 19:10). The angel reminded him that worship is not to be directed toward fellow servants, but only toward God. In this closing coda, a theme was issued as an imperative: “Worship God!”

The angel also repeated a warning and motivation here. Those who persisted in evil would find that God’s promise equals judgment. Those who persisted in righteous worship would find that God’s promise equals eternal life with Him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As a way of creating your own coda for our study this month, reflect back through the book of Revelation and record in a notebook or your spiritual journal the themes, messages, and promises that especially spoke to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your study of His Word into renewed motivation to worship and praise God in your faithful life, your testimony of His protection, your witness of His salvation, your offering of praise, and your prayers. “Worship God!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 22:12-21
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” - Revelation 22:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
When a child hears, “Just wait until your father gets home!”, is he filled with eager anticipation or heavy dread? The answer depends on two factors: Is the father a good and just man, or a capricious and manipulative man? And is the child looking forward to a reward or treat, or expecting a penalty or punishment?

As worshipers of God, we know that our Father is good—He is holy, true, faithful, loving, and almighty. And if we are maintaining our faithful confession of praise, then we should await the return of Jesus with eager anticipation. Soon! Soon all the promises of God will be fulfilled and we will experience full communion with Him!

Jesus directly addressed His people in this passage, which concludes the book with a call-and-response between the Lamb and the bride. This final section also emphasizes themes from the first chapter of Revelation. First, Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon!” Everyone will be rewarded, unbelievers with judgment and worshipers with eternal life. Jesus identified Himself as God—He is the Alpha and the Omega (v. 13; see Rev. 1:8; 21:6).

In response to Jesus’ announcement of His imminent coming, the Spirit and the bride responded, “Come!” The bride, the redeemed, sanctified, purified people of God, long to see Jesus “coming with the clouds” (1:7). The invitation is extended to any who longed to have their thirst quenched by the Living Water (see John 4). This gift is free! But it is not cheap. To emphasize that, John warned those who would manipulate this word in any way. You cannot approach the free gift of living water and eternal life and still cling to your habits of deception. In fact, this would reveal the truth about a heart that rejects worship, and the penalty will be sure (vv. 18-19).

On the basis of His authority as the Faithful and True Word, Jesus again called: “Yes, I am coming soon.” And God’s people again responded, “Amen. Come, LORD Jesus” (v. 20; see 1 Cor. 16:22). Our worship should always shape us to long for the coming of our Savior, the worthy Lamb, Jesus Christ.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Worship has theological significance in Revelation. That is, it is not just something we do, but it shapes who we are. Worship forces us to abandon the idol of our own dominion and power. Worship prepares us for fellowship with God. Worship identifies us as the people of God who long to see Him face to face. Tomorrow marks the first day of a new year. As you transition from 2010 into 2011, spend time in praise and worship, responding to the Lord: “Amen. Come, LORD Jesus!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 12:32-34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you heard the news? The American economic recession is over, at least according to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). The NBER pegged the recession as having lasted from December 2007 to June 2009—at eighteen months, the longest recession since World War II. Though the worst is supposedly over, the economy is still in the process of recovery, as many of us know all too well. The NBER looks at national-level numbers, not the personal costs of lost jobs, shrunken retirement savings, and “underwater” home mortgages (in which the value of a home has decreased to less than the amount still owed on the loan).

Given the still-weak state of the economy and the difficult financial situations of many Americans, this month’s devotional topic of Money & Godliness is particularly timely. In the coming days and weeks we’ll dig into Scripture to learn how and why we are to handle our money. The Bible is not a textbook on finances or business, but it does have a good deal to say about money-related topics, including proper priorities (with regard to money), stewardship, wealth, simplicity, and giving.

The most important principle for handling our financial resources in a godly way is to walk in faith in this area of our life no less than in every other area. Worry sometimes dominates our thinking about money. Will we have enough to pay the bills? Will we have enough to retire? But Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock” (v. 32), a reminder that He is our Good Shepherd. The same God who has given us His kingdom can take care of our present needs! If we trust in Him, we have the freedom to be extravagantly generous and to use our temporal resources to store up eternal rewards (v. 33).

The attractions of wealth can be a powerful temptation to serve another master, but we should see money as another tool with many potential purposes (see Matt. 6:19-24). Our hearts need to treasure that which is truly a treasure—not money or material goods, but Christ and His kingdom (v. 34).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you anxious about your financial situation? Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, remembering Paul’s words, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). The Lord has already given us a treasure that won’t decay, can’t be lost, and is incalculably more valuable than the largest earthly fortune. There’s no reason to stay up nights worrying fearfully about the future. As the song says, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 2:1-11
The LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. - Proverbs 2:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2007, rare coin dealer John Feigenbaum flew coast-to-coast with a special dime in his pocket. He didn’t eat and he didn’t sleep; he was nervous. He bought an economy-class ticket and dressed to be inconspicuous. After his flight landed in New York, he had to kill time in a Starbucks, waiting for a bank to open. Finally it did, and Feigenbaum breathed a sigh of relief. The dime Feigenbaum was delivering to a buyer was worth $1.9 million. It’s called an 1894-S dime—only 24 were known to have been minted, and only nine are still known to exist. That’s one expensive 10-cent coin!

The Bible, though, keeps matters in perspective: The financial value of such treasures pales in comparison to wisdom. It is “more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Prov. 8:11).

Today’s reading is basically a long conditional statement, that is, an if/then statement. If we search after wisdom, then God

will give it to us. The search for wisdom is described as a whole-person, holding-nothing-back, all-out endeavor (vv. 1-4). It involves listening, obeying, diligence, and passion. One must understand the value of wisdom in order to “search for it as for hidden treasure” (v. 4).

The key truth undergirding this quest is that God is the source and giver of wisdom (vv. 5-8). That’s why wisdom is described here and elsewhere as “the fear of the LORD.” Even while suffering, Job grasped this truth. Men dig gold and silver mines and find precious gems deep in the earth, but they cannot find wisdom. “God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells” (Job 28:23). When God gives wisdom to those who pursue and call out for it, there are many positive and pleasurable results, including moral understanding and discretion (vv. 9-11). Wisdom, though, is not simply a means to an end—it is a relationship with the Giver, with Wisdom Himself. And that is something that money just can’t buy!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage gives us many reasons to put our trust in God rather than money. Not only is the Lord the giver of wisdom and the source of all knowledge and understanding, He also gives victory to the upright, is a shield to the blameless, guards the path of the just, and protects the way of the faithful (vv. 6-8). Trusting in Him is the very definition of wisdom, and putting our trust in anything else the very definition of foolishness!