I begin this devotion with a picture, an emoji of sorts that I can’t insert here. Ready for it? If you have seen Home Alone do you remember the scene where Kevin shaves for the first time and then he uses his dad’s After Shave? In one of the most iconic pictures/scenes-ever-the After Shave burns his face, he lifts his hands to each side of his face and screams. That would be me right now.
I have waded into deep water and feel like crying out, “Aaaaah!” *picture of screen just described*
Revelation 11 actually has two scenes in it. One is of 2 witnesses who prophecy for a certain period of time…1260 days to be exact. I don’t know what that means. I know what some say but that is not my purpose here. At the end of those days a beast comes out of the abyss and kills them. They are mocked, rejoiced over because they are dead, and refused burial. After 3 1/2 years, they are raised to life and brought into heaven.
Enter Trumpet #7. We last heard Trumpet #6 in chapter 9. This angel and his trumpet celebrates God. It celebrates that God reigns. The praise from the lips of the 24 elders (perhaps the ones mentioned in 4:11?) is powerful and pointed.
- It declares who God is (verse 17): “the Almighty, the One who is and who was.”
- It declares the judgment of God (verse 18), both good and bad.
My takeaway (besides I’m in over my head 🙂 ): There appears to be a time coming when my faith will be tested. Whether or not this is the case-depending, I guess, on your interpretation of Revelation-God ultimately has the last word. Judgment will take place-both reward and consequences.
“Father, I’m not sure what all this means but it tells me I need to be faithful because You are.”
I’ve been following your Revelation teaching, Bill. It’s over my head and I appreciate your ideas on it all. All I know is I must be ready.
Those are my exact thoughts to Diane. Whenever it happens we need to be ready. Thanks for checking in.
I think Diane nailed it when she said we must be ready… Bill, I think the important thing here is we can live a life now free from worry or fear because we know how this story ends… I don’t think anyone can misinterpret that. God and those who follow Him will be victorious. As for being tested, Our entire life is a test, but not like an SAT, ACT or Final… God is gracious, He is Forgiving, He is Good… Our test is not in what we do, but how much we truly Love Him and those He puts in our path.
Thanks for the continued trek through Revelation.
I, too, agree with Diane, Ryan. I like not having to live my life in fear, wondering if I will or will not be ready. I also agree our whole life a test and that thanks to God’s love and forgiveness I need not fear failing that test either. You’re welcome on the trek. Thanks for joining in it.
I feel a bit overwhelmed by all that happens in Revelation, Bill, but I do agree that I should live each day aware of God’s final judgment. May all of us live for his glory!
Blessings!
“May all of us live for his glory” for sure Martha. join the “Overwhelmed Club.” 🙂