Bible Study: December 29, 2007
Hello My Friend/Guest,
"Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psalm 28:5-7)
It is Saturday December 29, 2007 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelataions. Please read, Revelation 14 -- 16. In Today's Reading we will learn about the Lamb; the messages of the three angels; the harvest of the earth; and the preparation for the seven vials (bowls) of God's wrath.
In the midst of world chaos as a prisoner on Patmos, John is led to report good news, "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." (Revelation 14:1-4). The Lamb is the exalted Christ who once again will stand on Mount Zion. His sheep, whom Satan cannot deceive, are undefiled, standing beside Him..
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." (14:12-13). The saints are the Christian's who have faith in Christ and live righteously. The dead which die in the Lord can only mean those for whom Jesus prayed for. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:15-17). This means that such believers willingly take up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial and repent of their sins each day. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23).
Now the heavenly chorus sings praise to God for His righteous judgment. They praise God because truth has won the battle against the deception and violence of the Devil. These visions in Revelation show that God is not indifferent to human suffering, to tyranny, or to idolatry. Judgment of the unbelieving will come from the Almighty God who also is the One who cares enough to send an angel to preach the Gospel unto them that dwell on the earth. "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Revelation 14:6-7).
Unbelievers who do not have a change of heart choose to have nothing in common with the people in heaven, who proclaim, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God. It is these unbelievers who will go through life as if they have everything, yet have nothing.
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Lord, Jesus, we love you. Thank you for the most basic blessings that we take for granted. So many people in the world are hurting in ways that we can't possibly fathom. Father, give them to grace to persevere. Save them, Lord. In Your mighty name, Jesus' we pray......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
Happy New Year!
God Bless,
Christina
