9 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Revelation 19:6 (CSB): “Then I heard something like the voice of a vast multitude, like the sound of cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder, saying, Hallelujah, because our Lord God, the Almighty, reigns!”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
As I observe what is taking place in my country and the world, and as I was reading through Revelation 19 this morning, I couldn’t help but join in John’s cry at the end of the book when he asked for Jesus to come back and take him to Heaven.
Revelation 22:20 (CSB): “He who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
But a desire for Jesus’ imminent return wasn’t my only thought. A few other things came to mind. Here are two of my thoughts:
There is absolutely no room for racism within a Christian’s mind and heart.
When we look at the verse I have chosen for today, Revelation 19:6, we notice that “a vast multitude” is said to be praising the Lord. Well, who is in that “vast multitude?” Just read the following verses to see who makes up the “vast multitude.”
Revelation 7:9–10 (CSB): “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
There will be “every nation, tribe, people, and language” represented in Heaven. There will be men and women from America, Zimbabwe, Chile, Vietnam, and every other nation. Further, there will be people from the 21st century, the 1st century, the 8th century, and every period of time since the world began.
Since God loves all of the peoples of the world, we had better love them, too. After all, we’re going to spend eternity with them.
But, I’m convinced that the previous paragraph is “preaching to the choir.” If someone has truly been saved and Jesus is residing in them, they are going to love and value others.
Injustice and ungodliness will eventually be squelched.
It sickens me as I observe rioters destroying property. It sickens me as I observe elected officials allowing and even encouraging such behavior. It sickens me when I see those in positions of power using that power to unjustly hurt those they are called to protect. And I hate sin in myself, too!
Sin destroys. It’s like a cancer that eats away at a person, a family, a community, a country, and the world. Eventually, the damage is done and there’s no going back.
That is why we find such delight in reading in Revelation 19 where Jesus will hop onto a white horse, come to earth, and begin the final destruction of a sinful world system that is opposed to Him and opposed to all that is right.
Revelation 19:11–16 (CSB): “Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
So, friend, is there racism, hatred, injustice, and violence in our world? Yes. We see it in the media every day.
But, as Jesus-followers, those things should never, ever characterize us. If they do, we need to cease and desist immediately. Further, we need to repent to the Lord (turn from it, never to do it again) and make amends with others where necessary.
Finally, we can take comfort in the fact that all of the tragedy we see going on around us will not last forever. Almost certainly, it will eventually burn out and we will get back to “normal” for awhile. But, it will eventually be eradicated, completely and finally, when Jesus comes back. I can’t wait!
Revelation 22:20 (CSB): “He who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
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Lord Jesus, I pray that as I see all of the sin around me that You would reveal the sin within me. Help me to see where I have strayed from Your desire for my life and to make it right. Further, help me to look forward to the day when all of this sinful mess will be over and I will get to be with and enjoy You forever. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 