April 29, 2019
Revelation 1:9-10, 12-19 New Living Translation (NLT)
Do you believe God is always speaking to His children even in the midst of this hostile world? Scripture teaches God delights in being in relationship with his children; he longs to commune and bring us eternal wisdom and direction or guidance for our lives. All this is part of the gift of Grace and the eternal life Christ makes available. God desires to bring us peace, comfort, and reassurance when fear attacks; he longs to pour power into us when we are weak. Therefore, we need to conclude that God speaks to each one of us. Do we recognize his voice in the midst of this hostile world?
Sometimes the Lord speaks through our circumstances, people, nature, thoughts, visions, peace, even a whisper, and those are just a few of the ways. He always bears witness to the truth of his Word when we invest time in it. According to the Word, Jesus teaches us the benefit of hearing his voice, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Mat 7:24). Listen for the voice of the Rock of Ages!
While he was exiled on the Island of Patmos, the Apostle John received a vision from the Lord.
John saw the Lord and he shared that vision with us in the Book of Revelation. Jesus revealed himself as our wise, secure, and all-powerful Savior who always cares for us. He desires to be our First and Last Love. He is the Living One—the True One for our hearts—and he loves us enough to lead us into life eternal if we will draw near to him. Nothing is impossible for the Lord and we are the focus of his love. So, is there any room for fear in your life?
Revelation 1:9-10, 12-19 Vision of the Son of Man
9 I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. 10 It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.
12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13 And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.
19 “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.
Prayer: Father, thank you for helping me take dominion over fear by focusing on the Truth of your love and power. I overcome because you are the Living Lord of all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.