God Is In Charge
Opening Prayer
Lord God, I praise You that one day You’ll bring peace and justice to prevail throughout all the world.
Read Revelation 19:1-10
[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, [2] for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” [3] And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” [4] The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” [5] Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” [6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. [8] Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) [9] Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” [10] At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the sentiment at the heart of this passage?Jesus gives us a picture of the kingdom of God that is radically counter to the culture of his day and to the one we live in. It is a kingdom we are called to live in now, but it also has a “not yet” dimension. This picture in Revelation is one that brings the kingdom into full view; the “not yet” is realized. No longer do we understand only in part or experience only glimpses of the kingdom. Jesus, the Lamb of God, is enthroned in the heavens. The Lord Almighty reigns and all the nations come to worship him. Those who have followed God’s ways are invited to feast and celebrate what he has done. We know how the story ends and it is glorious. But we so easily fall into the same trap as John (10): we worship the creature or the creation instead of the Creator. This image of the future should energize us for living in the present. We are called to live lives of worship to God.
Apply
Reflect on how you live now a life of worship to God. Spend time thanking God for your certain future.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, may my life each day only add to the praise and glory You rightly receive from those in Heaven.
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