Exodus 2   Moses quickly tells his story...  he was born of a Hebrew woman in the times when all baby boys were supposed to be killed.  He was kept by his mother, hidden, for 3 months and then placed into a woven basket.  He was found by Pharaoh's daughter and rescued from the Nile.  He was nursed by his own mother and then turned over to the princess.  

Moses confesses that he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. Then, he ran away when Pharaoh tried to kill him.  He ended up in Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of the priest of Midian.  They have a son and name him Gershom. 

During this time, things got worse in Egypt. The king, Pharaoh, died and the Israelites were treated even worse than before by the next ruler.  It is then that they finally begin to "cry for help".. calling upon Elohiym.. their God. 

"So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them." 

Notice God's response to the prayers of the Israelites.. He heard.. He remembered.. He saw.. and He took notice.  We know that God always hears.. He never forgets.. He sees everything.. and He knows everything.  So, why does this feel like He is just now turning back to what He had started so many years before?   Could it be that through all these years of captivity that the people had not called on God?  Why is it that they never cried out to Him before? 

Father, sometimes we too forget that You do hear us.. You do see us.. You never forget us or forsake us.. Thank You for loving us anyway!  Are You simply waiting for us to call upon You for the burdens we are carrying?  May we come before You humbly.. in every circumstance.. and believe that You have a plan.. a good plan for us.. if we will call upon Your Name! You are so good.. so gracious and kind.. Hear our prayers today.. for family, for friends, and for the lost who remain in bitter slavery when they can turn to You and find deliverance.  Spirit of God, move in us. Fill us with Your love and grace we pray. Amen. 

 Exodus 1 70 members of Jacob's household came to Egypt because of the severe famine in the region.  Think of the magnitude of this famine.. all of Egypt was affected, plus all of Israel, and perhaps further to the north and east.  If not for Joseph, things would have been even worse.  We are told, Israel thrived in Egypt. They multiplied greatly. And, that made them become a threat all those years later.. long after Joseph and all of his brothers had passed away. 

But, a new regime in Egypt was threatened by the  number of Israelites. It doesn't appear that they were causing any problems.. but their vast number and their physical strength was concerning to the new king. So, he decided to take things into his own hands and declared the Israelites his slaves. 

This new status for the people of Israel was loathsome. They were afflicted by the taskmasters. They were forced to do hard labor and it "made their lives bitter".  And still, that was not enough... for then Pharaoh ordered the midwives to kill every baby boy born to the Israelite women. This was something that the midwives refused to do because they "feared God".  But.. then Pharaoh commanded all of his people to take part in this abominable practice of killing baby boys. 

It is into this tragic period of time that Moses is born... an ordinary baby.. but an extraordinary life to come .. God was at work. 

In this passage today, what stands out to me is the courage and faith of the two midwives.. Shiphrah and Puah. They obeyed God and not Pharaoh because they revered and feared God more.  We don't know the spiritual conditions of the rest of the Israelites.. but at least these two women had a right relationship with God. "So God was good to the midwives and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. And it came about because the midwives feared God, that He established households for them."

Father in heaven,  we live in a society that does not fear God more than they fear mankind.  We see the devastating effects of this disobedience to Your will and word.. as babies are killed, lives are ruined, cities are full of violence and crime.. and people are left without hope.  But, we believe that You are at work still.. preparing Your people for the work that You want them to do.. in obedience to Your Word and to the glory of Your Son.  You are our Redeemer and King.. lead us, Jesus, out of darkness and into Your Light.. every day, so that more of Your children will be saved. Help us to have the faith and courage of those two midwives in Israel, that we might stand firm in Your Sprit and Truth.  In Your name, Jesus,  we pray. Amen. 

 Revelation 21-22 The final chapters of this book tell us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and  a new Jerusalem.  The descriptions given here allows me one conclusion .. it will be more glorious than I can begin to imagine!  Perhaps we need to read it more often.. so we can be continually reminded that everything we face in this life.. will be worth it all! 

God's plan will one day be completed... and He will bring all of His people together.. wipe away all our tears.. and dwell with us. There will be no sun or moon.. for God's light will shine continually. There will be no night. There will be nothing unclean.  Oh what a place we will live in forever with our God. 

Jesus speaks a final message to John and to us.. " Behold I am coming quickly!"   He longs for His children to be ready.. for His bride to be prepared.. and He calls for us by His Spirit, "Come".. 

All the words of this book are sacred, John tells us.  Don't take away any words or add any words.  Just believe and obey... and  "Worship God". 

Father in heaven, we echo the words of Your servant, "Come, Lord Jesus"! Amen. 

 Revelation 20  In this chapter John is given a preview of the thousand year reign of Christ.  Satan is bound and locked in the "abyss" for those years, but is let loose for a short time when he can once again "deceive" the nations and bring war against the saints.  That is short-lived as "fire came down from heaven and devoured them".  After this, Satan is finally thrown into the lake of fire "forever"!

 After this, there is another judgement.. "And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them."

Before this throne every soul "great and small" will stand.  Every single being will be judged "according to their deeds".,, "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." 

As I stop and ponder this passage.. what comes to my mind are the words of Jesus to his disciples.. ".. do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." ( Luke 10:20)

Father, thank You that my name is written there.. in Your book...because of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who paid my penalty on the cross.  When there is no more earth.. no more sky.. no more death.. no more hades.... the only thing we can stand on is Jesus.. the Rock of our salvation.  O the sweetness of this Truth.. that Jesus Christ saves those who call upon His name.  What amazing grace!  Draw us nearer, Father God, into Your almighty arms.. that we might be filled with Your love and peace and joy.  Amen. 

 Revelation 19 All the multitudes of heaven will shout "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgements are true and righteous.. "  Over and over again the hallelujahs will echo through the heavens.. "For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.!" 

It is hard to imagine that day.. but oh how we long to see it!  "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." 

All of heaven will watch as the Lamb appears, once more, on His white horse.. we will see Him with new eyes.. we will hear with new ears.  Jesus has many names in this chapter.. 

Verse 11 calls Him, "Faithful and True"

Verse 12 says that "He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself."

Verse 13 calls Him, "The Word of God". 

Verse 16 says that there is a name written on His thigh, " King of kings and Lord of lords." 

The final war is waged and the beast and false prophet are seized and thrown into the "lake of fire which burns with brimstone".   All of the rest of God's enemies are killed. 

Hallelujah! the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns!

Father we thank You for the hope that we have in our Savior, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords! We thank You that He is faithful and true! We thank You that He is coming to reign over all of Your creation and we long for that day.  Oh Lord, may we be ready.. help us we pray, amen. 

 Revelation 15-18  These chapters describe the completion of God's holy judgement of the world.  There are 7 vials or bowls of plagues bringing even more destruction and pain upon those who have refused to repent and give God glory.  Then John describes the final destruction of Babylon.. described as a woman and a city... who corrupted all of the nations and who will be thrown down in "one hour".

Again we are reminded that it is the Lamb who overcomes.. "because He is Lord of lords and King of kings and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful."! ( 17:14)

Whoever or whatever Babylon is will be violently overthrown and all of heaven will rejoice.. while all of her kindred will cry. 

There are so many things told in this book that are far beyond my understanding, but this I know.. Jesus will come in power and great glory and He will be victorious! 

Father in heaven, You are a good God who is ready to forgive. You show lovingkindness to all who call upon You. There is none like You!  Father, we know that a day will come when Your wrath will be poured out upon all who will not repent and find forgiveness in Christ Jesus.  Let the fear of the Lord come and move in our world today, so that many more will turn from their wickedness and receive the righteousness of the only One who can save, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords! We ask this in His holy name.Amen. 

 Revelation 13-14  John first describes the enemies forces.. two beasts.. the first one coming out of the sea and the second out of the earth.  The first beast was given power from the dragon, Satan.  He was full of blasphemies.. covered with "blasphemous names" and "there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies;"  He will speak against God and against God's people.  He will  "make war with the saints and .. overcome them" He will be given authority "over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.."  But.. only for 42 months... 

The second beast will also be given authority but only in the presence of the first beast.  He will perform signs that will deceive the people who still are on earth.  And he will make an image of the first beast that will be able to breath and speak.  He will be the one to order that all people be given the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. 

In contrast to these to horrible beasts.. chapter 14 reveals the army of the Father, led by the Lamb.. "and I looked and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads."  This group "sang out a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.. "  We are told that these 144,000 were "purchased from the earth".  

Following the song of the 144,000 .. the angels begin their missions.. The first angel flies across the heavens preaching the gospel.  The second angel pronounces the fall of Babylon. The third angel pronounces the judgement against all who took the mark of the beast.  Another angel calls for the reaping of the harvest of the earth.  A second harvest is then completed.. this one "from the vine".. the "grapes of wrath" as it were.. are thrown to the earth  and "blood came out from the wine press.."  

In all of this we are reminded of God's promise to those who persevere in faith.. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on! Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." 

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name!  We know that the blasphemer will be destroyed in due time.. and we thank You for that. Help us, Lord, to be steadfast and faithful to the end of our lives.. no matter what the enemy throws at us.  Fill us with the beauty of Your truth.. that we might also sing the songs of worship before the throne.  Let the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached "to every nation and tribe and tongue and people" today.. because the judgement of God is coming... let the harvest of righteous souls be greater... Fill us with Your Spirit and guide us in Your ways we pray, that the name of Jesus be magnified in all the earth..  Amen. 

 Revelation 12  Just when we think we are at the end.. the climax of the great tribulation bringing Christ's reign to all the earth.. John is given more.. He was told to prophesy...  and these words foretell a great cosmic battle. 

John describes the characters in this conflict.. 

A woman "clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars". This woman is about to give birth to a son and cries out in her labor pains.

There is a great "red dragon".  He has 7 heads and 10 horns.  He wears a diadem on each head.  His tail sweeps away stars out of the heavens and throws them to the earth.  He desires to devour the child about to be born. 

John sees Michael, a great angel and his fellow angels who wage war with the dragon. They throw the dragon down upon the earth.  This is a great victory! " Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night." 

The woman is given wings to fly into the wilderness for a certain amount of time. The serpent tries to send a flood, but the earth opens up and takes all the water.  So the dragon goes off to make war with "the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus."

All of this is such a mystery. What is symbolic? What is actuality?  What does it all mean to us right now?

This is the revelation of Jesus, given to us, as John wrote, "to show to His bondservants the things which must shortly take place.." (Rev. 1:1)  Jesus is showing us the "bigger picture".. so to speak.  Our lives and thoughts are wrapped around the present circumstances that we find ourselves in today.. what we are doing, where we are going.. what's for supper.. or how can we pay our bills.  We do need to think about these things.. but we also need to see that there is something greater going on.. God's plans for all of His creation.. from beginning to end.. are being carried out on a divine scale.   Paul wrote "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.. " so that we will seek Christ "who is our life". (Colossians 3:2)  May we stop and ponder the truths of God's words given to us here. 

Father in heaven, once again we come and ask for understanding and wisdom by Your Holy Spirit who fills us with truth.  Help us to live in light of these words given to Your servant John.  We know that You will bring about salvation and power and that Your Kingdom will come in its fulness.. one day soon.  May we stand firm in Christ Jesus until that day. Help us live as those who have Christ as our life.. seeking Him only in all the ways we think and live. You are our God and we are seeking You today. We give You thanks for Your amazing grace that allows us to call upon Your Name in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 Revelation 10-11 After the 6th trumpet there is another pause as John sees a "strong angel" come down out of heaven. This angel is unique, as I suppose they each are,  dressed in a cloud with a rainbow upon his head, feet like pillars of fire and a face like the sun.  He was standing with one foot on the sea and the other on land and he had a little book in his hand. 

When the angel spoke seven peals of thunder also spoke, but John was told to not write down what the thunder said.. it is a mystery for the ages to come.  The angel raised his right hand and made a pledge to God, "who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it.. " 

John was told to take the book from the mighty angel, so he did. The angel told him to eat it and so he did. John was warned that it would taste sweet like honey in his mouth but would be bitter in his stomach.. and it was. 

What a strange encounter..but then nothing John saw and experienced would be considered normal, every day life.  John was given an assignment.. to "prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings." 

Chapter 11

After this John is told about the 2 witnesses who would appear in Jerusalem. These two are believed to be either Moses and Elijah or Enoch and Elijah.. but we don't know for sure.  They will preach, they will bring judgments, and they will be divinely protected, until their time is up. Then they will be killed, lay on the ground for 3 and a half days before being resurrected and called back up into heaven. 

After this, the 7th trumpet is sounded.  With this heaven explodes with praise!  "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever!" The 24 elders fall on their faces again in worship.. "and the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and their were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm." 

The great and mighty power of God will be let loose!  All the world will know that He is God, who was and is and is to come! Praise His holy Name!

Father, we do not know the day or hour, but we wait upon Your perfect timing.. in this and in all things.  You are completing the work of building Your church and preparing Your people for eternity.  Have Your way in us today. Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, understanding and counsel, fill us and have Your way in Your church today we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Revelation 9:1-12  John carefully describes the consequences of the fifth trumpet which was sounded.  First, a "star from heaven" falls to the earth and holds a key.. " a key to the bottomless pit".   He opens this pit and releases these horrible creatures.. which John describes in great detail:

They are like locusts. 
They have tails like scorpions.  They are allowed only to sting men who do not have the seal of God.  Their sting causes great anguish for 5 months.  It is so painful that people will wish to die but they can't.
The locusts look somewhat like horses. They have crowns on their heads. They have faces like men. They have hair like women. They have teeth like lions. They have armor.. breastplates of iron. And they have wings. 
They also have a king, "the angel of the abyss", named Abaddon or Apollyon. 
This is the first woe.  Two more will come. 

Verses 13-21  The sixth trumpet brings the 2nd woe.. There are 4 angels released that had been "bound at the great river Euphrates".  With them are two hundred million horsemen.  These are not ordinary horses.. they have heads like lions, and tails like serpents.. with heads that do harm.  They have riders dressed in armor and they are given the authority to kill a third of mankind who are left, with fire and smoke and brimstone. 

"And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands.."  In the midst of such horror.. people still worshiped idols, they still murdered and stole.. They still tried sorcery and immorality.. they still rebelled against God. 

Even now we see the stubborn, sinful hearts of people who refuse to repent of their sins.  It is the saddest thing we see.. people who mock God and refuse to admit that they are in need of a Savior.  There have been many tragedies in our country and in our world in the last few years.. yet many still refuse to acknowledge that God is.. and that He desires to save them.. and that He will rescue them from the dominion of darkness.. if they will just call on His Name. 

Father, as I read about the coming judgements upon the earth, I come before You to ask for Your mercy upon the lost... even in my own family..  that You would bring them to the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ!  Oh, great God of heaven, how we need You! Bring repentance! Bring revival!  Stir Your people and fill us with Your Spirit so that Your Word will run freely through our country and through our world that many more will be saved, before it is too late. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for being long suffering.. We praise You and give You glory and honor, for You alone are worthy. Amen. 

 Revelation 8  Jesus opens the seventh seal from the scroll that He took from His Father's hand and all of heaven becomes silent.  Not one angel, creature, or saint.. makes a noise for "half an hour".  Time is taken to contemplate what has happened and to anticipate what will happen next.. 

John watched as 7 angels were given 7 trumpets as they stood before God.  He watched another angel come and put incense on the golden altar before the throne.  He saw the prayers of the saints and the incense added to them.. go up as smoke before God.  Then he saw the angel take the censer, fill it with fire and throw it on the earth, "and there were peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake." 

Only then dd the angels with the trumpets prepare to sound them. 

The first trumpet sounded and the earth was hit with "hail and fire, mixed with blood".  One third of the earth "was burned up and a third of the trees were burned up, and the green grass was burned up."  

We have been watching the coverage of the California fires.. which are devastating... but not anywhere near a third of the earth. It is hard to imagine fire as great as this.. all over the world. But, it is coming and that is only the beginning.. 

The second trumpet is sounded and "something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea".  The sea and every sea creature and every ship will be affected by this second judgment.  The sea becomes "blood".  Ships are destroyed. Sea creatures die. 

Then the third trumpet is sounded.  This one releases a "great star" which falls on "rivers and on the springs of waters." A third of all natural sources of water become poisoned. 

The fourth trumpet sounds and "a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars" are "smitten".  Day and night are changed.  An eagle announces that the next 3 trumpets will bring three "woes".   John must have wondered how it could get any worse!

The Revelation of these future events was given to John so that the servants of God will know "the things which must shortly take place." ( Rev. 1:1)  We are given this Word for a purpose.. There is a time coming when the things of this world that we take for granted and that we think are imperishable.. will no longer be..  The land, the water, the sun and the moon.. daytime and night time.. all of these are in the Hands of the Creator and He will destroy what He has made.. when He brings these judgements.  Paul wrote to the Romans that "we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together.. " to be set free from "its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." ( Romans 8:21-22)  

This is what our God will do! And He wants us to be ready.. and He wants us to tell others so that they can be ready too!

Father in heaven, this Word is hard for us to hear and hard for us to imagine. But, we know that You are in control and that You will accomplish all of Your plans for Your Holy purposes.  Hold us close.. cover us with Your tabernacle.. keep us from the evil that threatens our faith and hope and joy.  Bless us with Your grace and truth that we might live victorious, faithful lives in our Lord Jesus Christ to His glory and honor. It is in His name that we stand and that we offer our prayers before Your throne. Amen. 

 Revelation 7 Terror has spread over all the earth.. war, disease, famine, and a great earthquake that caused so much dust that the sun was darkened.. over the whole earth! Then, John sees something more is about to happen.. there is a moment of waiting.. as 4 angels take their places "at the four corners of the earth.."

An announcement is made.. 144,000 people from the remnant of Israel will be "sealed".. set apart as "bond-servants of our God".  12,000 from each of the 12 tribes are marked on their foreheads for a special ministry during this end time.  

John also sees another amazing sight.. "a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and people and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;"   As they cried out with loud voices "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb" ... all the angels joined in with their worship.. and they all "fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God." 

This multitude, we are told, are the many who gave their lives during the tribulation. "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them."  These are the ones who will no longer hunger or thirst or suffer.. the ones who will have their tears wiped away by God, Himself.  The ones who will be shepherded by the Lamb who will "guide them to springs of the water of life." 

The seventh seal is about to be opened.. but John must have been encouraged by the sight of the 144,000 Jewish bond-servants of God and the multitude of people from every nation who were with God and worshiping God. Beyond the tribulation to come.. there is a living hope.. for the Jews and for the nations. There is wonder and beauty and great rejoicing before the throne of God.. there is eternal life in the Presence of the Lamb. 

We may not be a part of the 144,000...or of the multitude saved through the tribulation.. but we will be there too.. falling on our faces before the throne of our God.. rejoicing in the glory and blessing and wisdom and honor and power of God and of the Lamb.  With hearts full of thanksgiving and praise.. we will worship with all our might!

Father, thank You for encouraging us by Your Word.. helping us to see that no matter what is happening in our lives today.. there is a greater life ahead for us who believe in Jesus Christ and have been adopted into Your family.  We have a living hope that can not be destroyed or taken away from us, for we are Yours.  Keep us in the truth.. Fill us with Your Spirit.. Lead us in Your paths.. Thank You. amen. 

 Revelation 6  It is Jesus who takes the scroll and begins to open the seals.. one by one.  As John watches, the first seal is opened. One of the living creatures calls out, "Come"!  The first one to come is sitting on a white horse. He is given a bow and a crown.  ".. and he went out conquering and to conquer."  This conqueror is thought to be a "false christ"...and he is assigned to this work of judgement on the earth. 

The second seal is broken and the second living creature calls out, "Come!"  The second rider to come rides a red horse...  " and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men should slay one another; and a great sword was given him." 

Jesus breaks the third seal and the third living creature cries out, "Come!"  This time a black horse appears and the one who was seated on it had a pair of scales in his hand.  There is a voice that calls out, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius.. "  A denarius is a days wage.  The amount of wheat would feed one man... but not his family.. and not anything more than just the wheat or the barley. Famine will fill the earth. 

Jesus breaks the 4th seal and the fourth creature calls out, "Come!"  An "ashen horse"  appears with a rider labeled "Death".  He is accompanied by "Hades" who followed "close behind".  Once again they are equipped for the work of judgment.. " and authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth." 

The fifth seal presents a different picture. John sees people.. ."underneath the altar".  These are the "souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they maintained."  While John watches, these martyrs cry out for the Lord to avenge them.. judging those on earth who spilled their blood. They are given white robes and told to rest "for a little while longer".  They will be joined  by more martyrs until the number is completed. 

The sixth seal causes "a great earthquake".  The sun is hidden by blackness and the moon turns red.  Stars fall from the sky and the sky itself splits apart. Mountains and islands are moved.  Everyone.. whether a king or a slave.. tries to hide themselves.  "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" 

With one more seal to go, there is an interlude.  Judgement has begun. The wrath of God will be poured out on that Day.  The Lamb of God will open the scroll and begin this chain of events.  Remember that all heaven and earth rejoiced and praised God that the Lamb was worthy to take the scroll. Worthy to bring judgement on all who have rejected Him.  In the day that we live in now, we know that there are so many who have failed to come to Jesus for the salvation that He purchased on the cross.  It is available to any who will call on His Name.. 

 O Father, open their ears and their eyes.. turn hearts and souls to the Truth of Christ Jesus our Lord who came to bring us to Your Kingdom.  Let there be a great harvest of souls that believe on the Name of Jesus and are saved.  Thank You for patiently waiting. May Your glory be made known to every tribe and tongue and nation.. and may lives be forever changed in Christ Jesus today, we pray. Amen. 

 Revelation 5 The sealed book or scroll is in God's right hand.  There is no one that is worthy to open the scroll except the Lamb.. the Lamb who has been slain.. the Lamb with 7 horns and 7 eyes "which are the 7 Spirits of God."   The Lamb will take the scroll from the Father's hand and all of heaven  will explode into song. 

Do they know that the opening of the seals would bring judgement upon the earth?  If they do know, why do they rejoice?  What will  prompt the immediate response of worship?   

The 24 elders and the 4 living creatures sing, " Worthy art Thou to take the book and to break its seal; for Thou was slain and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. and Thou hast made them to be a kingdom of priests to our God. And they will reign upon the earth."  Thousands of voices. " ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands" of voices will join in this song of praise to the Lamb of God.  "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive  power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." 

 The worthiness of Jesus will be sung all across heaven.  All of the earth will join in this song. This is truly a most significant event! "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." 

The time has come.  The waiting is over.  John has a preview of a day that will bring an end to everything as we know it.. A day that we greatly anticipate.. but a day when all who do not join in this song.. will be forever lost. 

Father in heaven, You are worthy of all our praise and honor and thanksgiving.  Jesus, the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah.. is worthy to bring about the end of this world of sin and rebellion.  He is coming and we wait with holy fear. We know that You have prepared and are preparing us for that day.  We also know that many.. so .. so many are not ready.  So, we pray once again, Father, let their  eyes be opened.. give them ears to hear.. speak through Your people, whom You have made into a kingdom of "kings and priests" to tell the good news of salvation.. before it is too late.  We ask this in the Mighty name of the Lamb. Amen. 

 Revelation 4   John is taken "in the Spirit" to the throne of God. He is called personally by a voice that was "like the sound of a trumpet".   The Lord said, "Come up here and I will show you what must take place after these things."  

John tries to describe this encounter.. the "One sitting on the throne.. like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance."  

Also around the throne were the 24 thrones of the "elders" and the 4 unusual creatures.  It is the activity around the throne that is really John's focus.  The creatures sang "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come."   We are told that this song is continued "day and night.. they do not cease."  The 24 elders also have a song of response, "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; For Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed and were created."  We are told that the elders "fall down before Him who sits on the throne".. They cast their crowns before Him. And then they worship.. 

This scene gives us a glimpse of true worship.  Jesus told the woman at the well that "an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. "  This passage in Revelation shows us what that looks like.. 

The 4 creatures announce the awesome character of the Father.. He is Holy.. times 3.. and He IS.. always has been, always will be!   They proclaim His glory. They honor Him and give thanks to Him "who lives forever and ever."  The response of the elders is immediate.. they "fall down before Him" and they lay their crowns before the throne.  It is the posture of true worship.. complete humility and devotion of God who is worthy of "glory.. honor.. and power".  

Father in heaven, You are the One who sits on the throne of Heaven. You are worthy of all our praise.. all our thanksgiving.. all our worship.  Our eyes are so dim on this side of heaven, Lord.  We pray that You will open our eyes so that we will see You.. that we will fall down before You and lay all our treasures at Your feet. We pray that You will transform us into the worshipers that You desire.. those who worship in spirit and in truth.  You are our Maker and You are our God. There is none like You and there is none who is Holy like You are.  May no glory or honor or power be given to any other, Lord.. for only You are worthy. Only You are Holy. Fill us Spirit of Truth and Understanding.. that we might learn to worship... that we might fall at the feet of God and truly worship. We ask this in the name of our Savior and King, Jesus. Amen. 

Revelation 3: 14-22  The final letter is to the church of Laodicea.  Jesus identifies Himself here as "the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.  "The Amen".. the trustworthy, faithful, truth.. the affirmation of all that has been created and recorded.  Jesus is the final authority of the church.. and of all creation.  He is the ruler and chief of all that God created.. especially of the church. 

The problem with the church at Laodicea was their lukewarmness.  They were content in their lack of passion. They called themselves rich and didn't know that they were actually "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked".  They lacked any humility and did not even acknowledge their need for Jesus.  Do we see that in the church today?

Jesus tells the church to turn to Him.. "buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments that you may clothe yourself and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see." 

Jesus is waiting at the door.. ready to come in and change the desperate need of the church.. but they  ( we) must humble ourselves, repent, and seek Him.  He has all we need to overcome...

Jesus has revealed in these 7 letters all that He is for the church, all that He alone can provide.. and all that He desires and requires for His people.  

He who holds the Church in His hands.. requires our love beyond anything else. 

He who was dead and lives.. requires faithfulness through the trials. 

He who speaks truth that cuts like a sword.. requires truth that casts out any false teachings.

He who sees everything.. knows everything.. and searches every heart.. requires purity and perseverance.

He who gives the Spirit in all of His fulness.. requires complete obedience. 

He who is holy and true.. who holds the keys.. requires His people to trust Him for the victory. 

He who is the Amen.. requires us to humbly walk in utter dependence upon Him.. 

When the church is listening.. and walking in these truths.. we can realize the great promises held in these letters for those who overcome!  We will walk in robes of white. We will sit on the throne with Him. We will be with Him forever and ever. Amen!

Father, open our eyes.. heal us with Your anointing.. fill us with Your Spirit.  Let the church of Jesus Christ.. the true church... live in the fulness of Your Presence and Power, to the glory of Your Name. Amen. 

 Revelation 3:7-13  To the church at Philadelphia Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is "holy and true, who holds the key of David."   There is none like Jesus in holiness.. in truth.. in power and authority. "who opens and no one will shut and who shuts and no one will open."   He has the final say over every door.. every kingdom.. every nation.. everything.  He is the Alpha and Omega.. the beginning and the end. His words here to the church are powerful.  We can be confident and assured of these truths.. 

Jesus says, "I know your deeds".  He is well aware of every church.. every small group of believers and every large mega church. Size does not matter to Him.. what really matters are the deeds.. the works.. the actions and the undertakings.. the labor and efforts of His people.  Do we walk through the door that He opens?  Do we turn away from those that He shuts?

The church at Philadelphia had "little power"... but Jesus promised to open a door for them.. a door that no-one could shut.  The promise was given to them because they had kept His word and had not denied His name. Even in the face of "the synagogue of Satan".. the church stood firm. 

There would be a time of testing  "upon the whole world".. but Jesus told the church that He would keep them from it.  He was coming.. soon! "Hold fast"! 

This message rings true for the church today..  We need to stand upon the promises of Jesus that He will keep us in His powerful hands. He has the authority to open and shut every door. He knows our deeds and He will reward those who remain steadfast in Him. The Day is coming when He returns and takes the church out of the testing and trials that are going to come "on the whole world."   The victory is ours in Christ our Lord. He has a crown for us if we hold on!  He will make us "a pillar in the temple" of God.  We will bear His Name.  What an incredible future is awaiting the church who stands firm in Him!

Father in heaven, help us to stand firm and to hold on!  Help us to be faithful and true in all that we do in the church.  Help us to rest assured in the promises of our Lord Jesus.  Open the doors that You desire for us and shut the doors that our not Your plan for us.  May He who is holy and true be exalted in our church and in the churches around the world. We ask this in His Holy Name. Amen. 

 Revelation 3:1-6   The next message for the church is addressed to Sardis. Jesus identifies Himself here as the One "who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.."   We know from chapter one that the seven stars are the "angels of the seven churches" .. the pastors or leaders of God's people. 

The "seven Spirits of God" are a little harder to understand, but it appears that John is referring to 7 ( 7 being the number of completion or perfection)..  aspects of the Holy Spirit's work.   In Isaiah 11:2 we read that when "the branch".. Jesus.. comes that the "Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him.  The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord". Revelation 4:5 also refers to the 7 Spirits saying, " And there were 7 lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." In Revelation 5:6 the seven Spirits of God are identified as the "seven horns and seven eyes" of the Lamb that was slain. 

The Spirit of God rests upon Jesus.. stands before the Throne of God..sees all.. and has all wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge and strength. He provides the essentials for us to know the Lord, giving us the "fear of the Lord".  He is the life-giver Who has been given to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. He lives in us and teaches us the truths that Jesus made known to His followers while on earth. He speaks to us.. who have "ears to hear".

The message for the church at Sardis was "Wake up.."  They had a "reputation of being alive", but were really "dead".  They were a dying church.  Their deeds were "unfinished in the sight of my God".  They were not holding fast to the Truth and were in danger of losing all they had been given.  There were some in the church that had not failed.. they "have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white for they are worthy." The church has every resource available through the sevenfold Spirit of God.. but  we must not fail to take hold of them.. to overcome.. so that we might also be "clothed in white garments.." 

Father in heaven,  may we have ears to hear.. to receive this word of warning to the church of our generation.  Bring repentance to those who have failed to hold on to the truth.. who have failed to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.. failing to receive the wisdom and understanding, the counsel and strength, the knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  All  has been perfectly provided to us by Your Spirit to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ the Lamb who was slain, providing forgiveness of all our sins and new life in Him. Thank You for Your great love and goodness to us. May Your Name be exalted in all the earth.. in every nation, by every tongue.. forever and ever!  May we be worthy to walk with You in the garments of white.  In the Name of Jesus our Savior we pray. Amen.