Victory

As I scanned through more of Revelation today I read of more destruction upon this earth.  Revelation to me is like watching Hawaii 5-0.  I know the ending is going to be good and that the good guy will win but it makes me very uncomfortable seeing what is going on.  I read of the seven bowls of God’s wrath that is poured upon the earth in Revelation 16.  I read how satan will be bound for 1,000 years; while Jesus and those who were beheaded for not having the mark of the beast on them reign on this earth.  I love that those who were obedient to God will come back to life and reign with Jesus but I cringe thinking about them having to go through that suffering.  I read about ten evil kings in Revelation 17 but rejoiced when I read all of verse 14, speaking of these ten kings, “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”  Then in chapter 20 I read what happens to satan, verse 7-10 “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison (8) and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle.  In number they are like the sand of the seashore. (9)They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city He loves.  But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. (10) And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

As I read those verses I thought of the Israelites in battle.  The battle of Jericho, found in Joshua 6, where the walls came down after they marched around the city six times and gave a loud shout.  Jericho was defeated but they didn’t do it, God did, Joshua 6:2 “Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See I have delivered Jericho into your hand.”  Before the battle, before the walls were down, the Lord told Joshua that He had delivered Jericho into his hands.   

There have been battles since the fall of man in the Garden and will continue until that final judgment day.  The battles are not against each other but are battles being fought because of the power of the evil one. Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Battles may take place with others or it they may take place within us.  What is the answer to these trials/battles?  What can be words of encouragement to continue you on when life is bleak and hope is almost faded away?  You can find the answer to that question in Revelation 22: 12-16 “Behold, I am coming soon!  My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.  (13) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.  (14)Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (15) Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. (16) I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

We may not understand the battles that we face today but we do know the ending and it is more wonderful than words can describe.  His reward is with Him, and He will give according to what we have done.  What are we doing?  Are we living for us or are we living for Him?  As you answer those questions for yourself today, remember to seek Him, the one who was and is and is to come.  Remember you are called according to His purpose and bring Him glory and honor and praise.

This all reminds me of my favorite song of all time, Victory in Jesus, “Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever.   He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.”

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila