Category: hope

Lift Up Your Eyes

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 12-14

POETRY: Psalm 121

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 22

(As we are pulling up past devotions this week, I wanted to choose a devotion on the end of Revelation – but didn’t want to ignore the Psalm we have been reading all week either. So, today we are including 2 devotions from Jeff Fletcher, one on the end of Revelation, and one on Psalm 121.)

The Bible begins in the book of Genesis with God and his children named Adam and Eve living in a perfect garden where his children have immediate access to the presence of God and can interact with God face to face.  The act of rebellion against God caused them to be separated from God.  They initiated this process by hiding from God and by their failed attempts to cover over their guilt and shame.  The consequence of their rebellion against God was that they were cut off from immediate fellowship with God, they were cut off from the garden which, along with all of the earth and the inhabitants of the earth including animals and humans fell under the curse of death.

Within God’s ruling of the consequences of sin and the resulting curse came a kernel of good news in Genesis 3:15.  One would come who was a “seed of the woman” meaning a child, a human child, who would ultimately defeat the serpent, which represents evil.  In the process of destroying the evil serpent, that human would also suffer a wound (a bruised heel).

The rest of the Bible is the story of how God’s plan to rescue the earth from the curse and restore  and redeem humanity that was cut off from God is fulfilled ultimately by Jesus Christ, the human being, he was a seed of the woman, who was also the perfect and sinless son of God.  In going to the cross and dying for the sins of all humanity, and being raised up by God to everlasting life, Jesus defeated the serpent.

Revelation 20-22 provides a vision of the ultimate victory of how this is ultimately realized.  The serpent/dragon/devil/satan(adversary) is permitted to influence the world only so long, and then it will finally meet it’s end.   Evil will be defeated by Jesus Christ.  Christ will return, the dead will be raised, there will be a final judgment based upon what we have done.  Some will be resurrected to everlasting life with God on a renewed earth in the city of New Jerusalem.  Some will be judged and condemned by God and cast into the lake of fire, which the Bible calls the second death.  (Note that it does not teach that they will be tortured for eternity, but that they will die a second and final time in a type of mass cremation).  Death has to be destroyed.  Those who reject God’s love and gracious gift of salvation will not have it forced upon.  God allows us the freedom to accept his love and the offer of salvation, but he also gives us the freedom to reject it.  Just as a bride must consent to marrying the groom in order for a marriage to be valid, we, God’s people must consent to God’s love before our covenant relationship will be valid.

For those who reject God’s love, they will finally and mercifully be brought to everlasting destruction.  Those who accept God’s love through Christ, will be granted everlasting life.  The Bible ends with the reversals of Genesis 2-3.  God will again make his presence here upon the earth.  The image John gives in Revelation is of a New Jerusalem coming down from God to take up occupancy on the earth.  This new Jerusalem, interesting, is built on the same scale as the Temple in Jerusalem was… only so much larger.  The new temple occupies a territory that rivals the ancient Roman empire.

For Christians living in the first century suffering under Roman oppression, this must have given them hope.  Rome/ or Babylon or whatever earthly power that was anti-God would be brought to an end, and God’s Kingdom, God’s government would cover all the earth, with Jerusalem acting as a giant temple where God and his people would dwell for all eternity.  Within the temple, emanating from the throne of God is a river of life surrounded by the tree of life.  The tree of life was the very reason why Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, so that they would not partake of the tree of life/immortality in their sinful and broken condition.  Sin had to be defeated once and for all before immortality could be enjoyed.  But now, in Revelation, we are free to partake of the tree of life, we are free to embrace immortality, and we will live forever with God in His Kingdom on this renewed earth.  We have, in a sense, come full circle, we are back home with God’s presence in the new Eden, and we are forever blessed.  Even those who have suffered martyrdom for their faith, will enjoy the benefits and blessings of the New Jerusalem the New Eden and the New Earth.

If you’ve never said yes to God’s love, I don’t want you to miss out on this greatest of all blessings.  Say yes to God, you can do it right now.  And then solidify that “Yes” by entering into a covenant relationship with God through Baptism.  And then live as a child of God and share this good news with as many as you can, until the day all is fulfilled and Christ returns, or the day that you draw your last breath.

-Jeff Fletcher

(originally posted on July 21, 2017 for SeekGrowLove)

We’re discussing seven different types of psalms and how to make them a regular part of our worship.  Today we consider pilgrimage psalms.  A pilgrimage is a journey to a place that holds special spiritual value to the person making the pilgrimage.  In ancient Israel those who lived outside of Jerusalem would make several pilgrimages each year to come to Jerusalem to worship at the temple and celebrate various feasts which commemorated important elements of Israel’s sacred story.  We know that Jesus was arrested and crucified at the beginning of the Passover celebration.

As people made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem they would sing joyful and festive psalms that would help them recall God’s goodness.  If you’ve ever travelled to a special place and event like Fuel, or General Conference, Christian Worker’s Seminar, or summer youth camp, you know that the excitement builds as you journey and get closer to the event.  Sometimes people sing some of the songs that gave meaning and joy to their previous times at those places.

Imagine as the pilgrims get closer to Jerusalem.  As Jerusalem is on a mountain they can see it from a distance.  As they climb Mt. Zion to get closer to the city and the temple of God their excitement grows and they begin enjoying an attitude of worship by singing and recalling God’s blessings.

Psalm 121 is a great example of a pilgrimage psalm:

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

This serves as a reminder that as you journey on your way, God is with you.  God is your helper who watches over you wherever you go.  How comforting and assuring to know that God is with you on your journey through life.  Even during those times where you might not know what’s waiting for you around the next corner or over the next hill, God is there, and he doesn’t go to sleep on the job.

-Jeff Fletcher

(originally posted June 7, 2019 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. How is your journey towards the presence of God going today?
  2. What encouragement do you find in today’s passages? What motivation do you find in today’s passages?
  3. Who do you know who needs to know what the Bible shares and reveals?
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Big and Bold

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 10 & 11

POETRY: Psalm 121

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 21 – again

    In Revelation 21 we have come to the climax of events. In the Garden of Eden God set out to undo the separation between Himself and us, and that goal is at last complete. Humans may have been short sighted during history and at times tied themselves in knots over other issues, but God wanted to return to our sides. With “the first things” passed away there will be no more pain. Evil is removed from the scene and God is changing the universe, making everything new. He intends to freely give the water of life to those who overcome (John 4:14).

     God lists some of those who will not receive what He offers, addressing several issues that were raised in the book, murder, sorcery, idolatry – but it begins with the cowardly (v. 8). I wonder if that is directed at early readers, facing persecution in the Roman Empire and possibly hesitant to commit. But it extends to later readers, who might question if they wish to stand up for Jesus’ name and his authority and risk conflict, or if it would be simpler and safer not to, even to appear to be unsaved. Some of God’s servants, like Gideon, were called to serve while not eager to act on their own. That may seem to give a basis for seeing hiding as credible. But I think God chose from the reluctant to make a point, and to stir the hearts of others. And those were not Christ’s disciples, already gifted with the Spirit. He expects something else from us. Not that I am saying we are to be abrasive and offensive in an eagerness to act, there are proper and wise moments and ways to stand up, and we are not always the right people to do so in a situation. Like I said, the appearance of that word first in the list strikes me. It convicts me, all too often, of taking an easier route. But I work for Jesus, and I’ve never heard of anyone braver than him. I leave it to you how it makes you feel. 

     John is taken to a tall mountain by an angel to see “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” and arrives at “the holy city, Jerusalem” (v. 9, 10). It is reminiscent of Ezekiel being shown the new temple, which was on a mountain (Ezekiel 40). I have taught about Revelation 21 numerous times. I have considered taping a cardboard mockup on a globe of the world to show the size of New Jerusalem. I didn’t end up attaching it, and I wasn’t sure if it should be a cube or a ziggurat, or a pyramid (we are told its base is square, and the height). Just describing my idea to the students got the gist across. New Jerusalem is large.

     Earth’s breathable atmosphere extends out for about eleven miles at the equator. Perhaps you have heard the idea about being able to see the Great Wall of China from orbit. You can’t. You could bump into New Jerusalem in orbit. We aren’t totally sure of the size of the city, it depends on how you understand twelve thousand stadia, the 1995 NASB says 1,380 miles and some other versions say 1,500 miles. The International Space Station orbits about 250 miles from Earth. The Hubble telescope is 340 miles out. The upper range of what are known as “low Earth orbit” satellites is 1,243 miles, so the city would tower above all of them, if they were still around. (Which they won’t be.) But the geostationary satellites are much further out, at 22,236 miles. And the Moon is 238,900 miles away, which is nowhere near it. Speaking of the Moon, it has a diameter of 2,159 miles. Earth is 7,917.5 miles in diameter. Under the smaller estimate for the city (1,380 miles) it is 15.69% of the width of Earth, and my cardboard mockup needed to be 1.88 inches wide for a standard 12-inch globe.

     We are told that with God’s new heaven and new Earth there is no longer a sea (v. 1). If that refers to the Mediterranean Sea it seems like a necessary removal, to give New Jerusalem ground space to fit. If it was centered on the location of Jerusalem it would extend about halfway through Greece, assuming it was aligned square with the equator. It also couldn’t be flat on the bottom since the Earth curves, which matters at this size.

     I think this raises some questions. When God replaces the Earth, will it be the same size as the old one? What is being described here sounds like God planned on expansion. The millennium just took place, a thousand years without plagues, famine, and war. It didn’t start off with very many mortal people, but I think the population had a good opportunity for growth. It may be that the number saved during human history leading up to Christ’s return will be just a fraction of those who will ultimately be saved, guided in part by the priests we are being prepared to be. Oh, may it be so.

     My questions are skipping over a rather obvious point. The angel who volunteers to show New Jerusalem to John does so under the description of “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” (v. 9). It isn’t clear to me whether that is because the bride (the population) is inside the city, or because the city is simply a symbol of those who have been accepted as Christ’s bride. The names inscribed on it, of the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles, may not simply be honoring those figures but symbolizing all who came from the lineage of those figures. Consider the description of its size and splendor, and the statements that none with bad character will enter. It says that God and the Lamb provide it with temple and light and lamp. All of this fits the idea that New Jerusalem is the people of God. Now, perhaps the language here presents people and city in another of the Bible’s double fulfillments and both cases are true. Whatever God intends it will be wonderful, and the beautiful description given in this chapter leaves me in awe and anticipation. I say, rejoice in your Lord!

     Thank you, Father, for giving us this glimpse of the glory that lies ahead. Thank you for your commitment to us, that you did not give up on the work of Your hands, but took such care and effort to restore what had been damaged. Please help us to value what you value, to seek what you desire. There are so many lost sheep, so many hurting hearts, that you desire to be blessed by the love of your son. Please shape me into who you desire me to be, until I am complete. Thank you, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

-Daniel Smead

(originally posted November 17, 2023 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God’s commitment to fixing what was broken tell you about Him? What does it say about how God sees us?
  2. What are some of the “first things” that will have passed away when the events of Revelation 21 have come to be?
  3. Might God count you among the cowardly? When have you taken a courageous stand for Him? If (when) you are tempted to hide, what helps you overcome that temptation and stand up?
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The Goal of EVERYTHING

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 8 & 9

POETRY: Psalm 121

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 21

I was blessed to bring you this part of Revelation because this chapter means so much to me.

Go back to Revelation 21:3-4 and read it again. And again. And again. 

I don’t want you to read another sentence of this devotion until you dwell on the glorious truth of Revelation 21:3-4. 

God will be with us. 

That’s the goal. I don’t mean the goal of Revelation. The goal of EVERYTHING, everything collectively and every thing individually, is to be connected to the God who created it, who sustains it, who loves it. Everything God did was so that he could be among those who accepted him, so he could be their God. He would have every right to sit in the middle of the city, demanding we come and bow to him and confess our sins and honor and adore him without his speaking to us.

But the old order of things has passed. He comes to us. Instead of an unreachable, untouchable King far away and distant, He walks up to us.

He walks up to you

He walks up to me

and He wipes away our tears. 

Think of all the tears you’ve cried. I’ve cried so many. Relationships I’ve hurt. Trust I’ve broken. Loved ones who have been lost. Pain seen in the eyes of my wife and daughter. 

God will not remain distant. He will walk up to me, and he will say “My Son, the old things are gone, the new have come. Cry no more.” God Himself, the creator of all things, will wipe away my tears.

God Himself will wipe away your tears.

God will be among us and be our God.

Everything else, the grand city, the streets of gold and the walls of precious stones, all these images of the glorified future, everything is icing on the cake. Without God it wouldn’t mean anything. Because God is there among us, it means everything.

My brothers and sisters, I can’t wait until your tears are wiped away. I can’t wait until the old is gone and the new has come.

May the Lord Jesus come quickly, prepare the way for his Father, and may God come and be our God. 

Jake Ballard

(originally posted November 23, 2019 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your favorite verse(s) in Revelation 21? Why?
  2. What OLD things are you looking forward to being gone? What NEW things are you looking forward to coming?
  3. Because of this passage – what ought you to do today? Do you agree about the Goal of EVERYTHING? How often do you forget this goal? How can we do a better job of remembering it and living by it?
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God Wins

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 6 & 7

POETRY: Psalm 121

*NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 20

The title of this post is unassuming. Two words: a noun, the subject, and a verb in the future tense. 

I am in the business of speaking, teaching, training, sermonizing. And sometimes (less often than I’d like to admit) I may have a sermon that God uses in spite of all my failures and faults. But if I were to have all the power of the greatest speakers, the powerful conviction of Billy Graham, the clarity and precision of Andy Stanley, the dedication of pastors from Martin Luther to Martin Luther King Jr. and beyond, more than a thousand eloquent sermons could not compare to the truth of the future of the world summed up in these two words. 

God wins. 

I don’t want to take away from that truth, but I do want to flesh it out a bit. 

In the earlier parts of Revelation, the beheaded souls have been calling out from beyond the grave to the God who will give them justice (Rev. 6:9-11). God promised the victors that they would have reward upon reward (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21). When God wins, those who placed faith in God above even their own lives have the incredible promises. For time out of mind (1000 years) they will reign with Christ, they will not be hurt by the second death. While the language of two resurrections is not common in the rest of the NT*, the truth is that they are SO ASSURED of their salvation its as if they cannot possibly be brought to judgment. The joy of this resurrection is that we who are powerless, weak, poor, and oppressed will one day win, be victorious and live forever with God and his Christ, because God wins. 

And Satan can’t win. The dragon’s wings are clipped, and the serpentine body is prepared for the flames. In this world, God has power to throw the serpent of old, the devil and Satan, and bind him for 1000 years. During that time, his temptation and power are cast down. In the end, the devil who deceived the world was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone. This is a threat and a promise. Moreover, Satan KNOWS this is his end. The battle between God and Satan is not a cinematic, climactic masterpiece. There is no worry about who will win. Satan is not trying to win, because he can’t. He IS trying to make YOU LOSE, because that is a possibility. But God will help you overcome sin, fight temptation, and come through faithful. God can protect you from the defanged, declawed, clipped-wing dragon, because God wins. 

In some sense, part of the glory of God, part of his winning, is allowing humans to choose their outcomes. God allows people to determine their final state. While we are only and forever able to be saved by the glory and grace of God, God both does not force his salvific will upon us and does not preclude us from choosing him. God gives people what they desire. The books are opened; the dead are judged. Christ is our hope (Col. 1:27), our peace (Eph. 2:14), our resurrection and life (John 11:25). If any person has rejected Christ, what have they done but rejected peace with God and people? Rejected hope of eternal life? Rejected the resurrection and the life? God gives them exactly what they demanded. God doesn’t put up with those who were rebellious against him in this life. Because…

God wins.

No ifs, ands, buts. 

No amount of persuasive words will make it less true. 

No force of hell can stop Him, not a dragon or an atheist. 

The promise is true:

God wins. 

– Jake Ballard.

* There are hints of two resurrections in the rest of the NT, but nowhere is it explicitly stated like here in the apocalyptic work of Revelation. 

(originally posted Dec 5, 2022 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. How significant is the phrase “God wins” to you? To elaborate, in what areas of your life are you losing? Temptation and sin? Suffering and pain? Anxiety, depression, stress? What would it mean for you to stop trying to fix it all yourself, and let God win, allowing him to be victorious where you haven’t been yourself?
  2. In the ultimate sense, Satan is powerless. While we might be attacked, tormented, and tempted by evil today, that is not the way the world will be forever. How does it make you feel to know that all evil and wickedness are going to be overcome by the power of God? Will you allow God to protect you, so the battle is one-sided in your favor today?
  3. There is no peace, hope, resurrection or life without Christ. Have you given him control of your life, allowing him to be your savior and lord?
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Past, Present and Future

OLD TESTAMENT: Nahum 1-3

POETRY: Psalm 119:137-144

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 11

Nahum 1:2-3 (LEB):

“A jealous and avenging God is Yahweh;

Yahweh is avenging and has wrath.

Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries

and reserves wrath for his enemies.

Yahweh is slow to anger and great in power,

and he will not leave the guilty unpunished.

In whirlwind and storm is his way,

and clouds are the dust of his feet.”

Psalm 119:137-144 (LEB):

“Righteous are you, O Yahweh,

and upright are your judgments.

You have commanded your testimonies

in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.

My zeal has consumed me,

because my enemies have forgotten your words.

Your word is very pure,

and your servant loves it.

I am small and despised,

yet I do not forget your precepts.

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,

and your law is true.

Trouble and anguish have found me out,

but your commandments are my delight.

Your testimonies are righteous forever;

give me understanding, and I will live.”

Revelation 11:15-16 (LEB):

“And the seventh angel sounded the trumpet,

and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,

and he will reign forever and ever!’

And the twenty-four elders who were seated before God on their thrones

fell on their faces and worshiped God.”

The book of Nahum reveals God’s sovereignty over the nations and His fierce justice against those who oppose Him. Specifically, it proclaims God’s impending judgment against Nineveh, a city known for its wickedness and cruelty. The opening verses declare God as a “jealous and avenging God,” emphasizing His commitment to righteousness and the protection of His people. God’s slowness to anger highlights His patience, but His ultimate justice is assured; the guilty will not escape unpunished.

Nahum reminds us that while God is loving and merciful, He is also just. His judgment against Nineveh serves as a reminder that evil cannot persist forever without consequence. This gives us hope, especially in a world where injustice and oppression often seem rampant. As we witness suffering and wrongdoing, we can trust in God’s righteous judgment and His commitment to setting things right in His perfect timing.

In Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses a deep love and reverence for God’s law and testimonies. The declaration of God’s righteousness sets the foundation for understanding His judgments. The psalmist’s zealous love for God’s word is driven by the reality of his enemies and the challenges he faces. Despite being small and despised, he finds delight and strength in God’s commandments.

This passage encourages us to anchor ourselves in God’s word, especially during trials. The psalmist recognizes that while trouble and anguish are inevitable, God’s commandments are a source of delight and guidance. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we find wisdom, comfort, and a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The law becomes a light in our darkness, guiding us toward a path of righteousness and understanding.

Revelation 11 culminates in the triumphant announcement of God’s kingdom. The seventh trumpet sounds, proclaiming that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. This proclamation signifies a pivotal moment in redemptive history—where God’s reign is fully established, and the powers of darkness are defeated.

The response of the twenty-four elders, who fall on their faces in worship, reflects the rightful reaction to God’s sovereignty and majesty. In this vision, we see the culmination of God’s justice and the fulfillment of His promises. As believers, we are invited to participate in this celebration, anticipating the day when God’s kingdom is established forever.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

How does the concept of God’s jealousy and justice in Nahum impact your understanding of His character? In what ways does this knowledge provide comfort during difficult times?

Reflect on the importance of God’s word in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper love and delight for Scripture, especially when facing challenges or opposition?

How does the promise of God’s kingdom in Revelation encourage you in your daily walk with Christ? In what ways can you live in anticipation of the kingdom?

Consider the response of the twenty-four elders in Revelation 11. How can you incorporate worship into your daily life, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and majesty?

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The Rightful Judge of the Universe

OLD TESTAMENT: Lamentations 4-5

POETRY: Psalm 119:121-128

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 9

We pick up this Friday by finishing off the final 2 chapters of the book of Lamentations—one of the most poetic cries to God in despair, pain, and anguish that is recorded in the Bible. Jeremiah has spent the previous 3 chapters weeping to God about the destruction of both Jerusalem and Judah, and the horrific circumstances it has thrown His people into. Besides the outright attack from the Babylonians, they also suffered siege and famine. Death was inescapable at every turn, from starvation and thirst to even resorting to cannibalism. Amongst all this, Jeremiah has seen it all. 

He questions why God had abandoned His people, and why they must suffer. At a certain point he recognizes it is because of the sins of the people of Jerusalem, and that God’s wrath is His own to disperse—that it is by God’s hand justice is determined.

“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? 

Is it not from the mouth of the most high that both calamities and good things come? 

Why should the living complain when punished for their sins?” (3:37-39)

I think about times in my life where it has felt as though I have been left alone—seemingly abandoned. In these moments, my first thought may be to question why God has abandoned me, and why I have to suffer. Why can’t it always be good times? Why would God allow this suffering?

But that thought is unfounded—it forgets the very essence of God’s nature, and does not take on the perspective that Jeremiah takes. God is the one and only rightful judge of this universe. What good would a judge in a court of law be if they let every person who’s done wrong off Scott free? 

God is not the source of sin, just as light is not the source of darkness. Rather, where there is no light, there is darkness. Without God and His righteousness, we fall back into sin and into that darkness. Thankfully, because of the sacrifice He sent for us, through the death of Jesus Christ, we can now live under a new covenant of salvation! And because of this gift, we ought to recognize the power and might of our God, as Jeremiah did. In both high and low, fire and ice, joy and pain, we owe everything to God, the creator of both the mountains and the seas.

“You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.” (5:19)

-Mason Kiel

Reflection Questions

  1. What suffering have you witnessed or endured that perhaps made you question what God was doing or why?
  2. What sins had Jerusalem and Judah committed? What sins do you see in your society? What sins do you see in your life?
  3. What do you gain by recognizing God as the just God of the universe?
  4. Suffering is sometimes brought about by God’s judgment on sin. Are there other explanations for some suffering?
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Revelation 7- Gifts & Rewards

OLD TESTAMENT: Lamentations 1-2

POETRY: Psalm 119:105-112

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 7

Chapter 7 is one of the passages in Revelation which can seem like it reverses or unworks what God had done before. God had called out a people for His own, setting Israel apart. Then God sent Jesus and brought up an upheaval in the relationship of God and humanity. The events of Pentecost launched the church, and while it took some time for Jews and Gentiles to be combined in one organization it can be a surprise for people to find Israel identified here again, and not just as a nation but with 12 tribes. But even in this context the tribes are set together with the peoples of the world, based on their common acceptance of God and the Lamb.

 At the start of the chapter a period of calm is established. Perhaps this does not follow chronologically from the events that were described just before, we may be stepping away from that part of the vision to get another angle on things. We are told about four angels who have been authorized to bring destruction with the four winds of the world – from the four main directions – but for now the angels are keeping the winds still at the instruction of another angel holding the seal of God. In this time of calm that angel seals 144,000 people, 12,000 each from 12 tribes of Israel. This is a vision so perhaps the sealing process passed quickly, as can happen in a dream.

The identities of the tribes who were sealed create a small puzzle. We are used to reading of Joseph’s blessing being passed to his sons Manasseh and Ephraim (for the ‘half-tribes’), forming a set of 12 tribes only when Levi is excluded from the normal count. Levi gets excluded because Levi’s descendants gained a special role with God in the time of Moses and that was treated as their inheritance instead of land. But here Ephraim is excluded, and we have the “Tribe of Joseph” and the Tribe of Manasseh joining the Tribe of Levi. We lose Dan, the northernmost tribe, instead. Why? It might be because Ephraim’s name is so associated with the line of kings who brought idolatry to Israel, and that Dan was the tribe first associated with idolatry in the time of the judges (Judges 18:30-31). But we also have in Ezekiel 48:2 the prophecy that Dan will be in the kingdom and receive land, so there is something symbolic happening here rather than something permanent.

The larger point is that God continues to have a portion of people who are sealed for Him – God never gave up on Israel, never gave up the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc. The results may not look like what people were expecting at different points along the way, but God does not forget to give gifts (just as God does not forget to give punishments, which the previous chapter was establishing). The significance of the seal itself in the Revelation vision doesn’t come up until chapter 9, but in marking those who are with God it provides protection (at least). I see this as being rather like the Passover in Egypt, but rather than being told to remain safe within certain buildings marked with blood the people themselves were marked for God and therefore able to travel with protection. And unlike those earlier Hebrew people they were not being told to separate themselves from everyone else, the context pairs them with a crowd “beyond count” from every nation and people.

The crowd in white robes sounds much like those who had been slain (6:11) who were “waiting” for their fellow servants who were to die. We are told that these many “came out of great tribulation” (7:14) but are not told how many (if any) survived it. This may be another reference to the souls from under the altar. Or others may have been added to the number. What is clear is that God rewards His servants. It says they shall hunger no more, thirst no more, and no longer will the sun beat down on them. It sounds like we are being told that the curse on the soil doesn’t apply to them anymore; they no longer must be concerned about working by the sweat of their brow to eat. Springs of living water are being offered, and God Himself will wipe the tears from their eyes. Pain and struggle is being reversed – permanently. You can see why I think this chapter may step out of the chronology of the vision to give an overview of promises that are being offered, refreshing our memory of joy.

Lord, you keep your promises, even the ones I don’t fully understand. Please help me to take seriously what you have said to me, and what I say to you. Thank you that you love so much better than I do. Let me be committed to learning from you, not simply facts or ideas, but growing as a person and growing in my relationships with others and with you. Help me to remember that you never want anything bad for me. Help me trust you to show me right paths. Thank you, Amen.

-Daniel Smead

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on Nov 22, 2022)

Application & Reflection Questions

  1. Who will receive the punishments of Revelation 6? Who will receive the rewards of Revelation 7?
  2. What do we learn from Revelation 7 about worship, commitment and faithfulness?
  3. What are some gifts and rewards God has already given to you? What gifts and rewards are you still looking forward to? Give thanks to God for what He has done, is doing, and will do!
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A Kingdom Promise

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 3 & 4

POETRY: Psalm 115

NEW TESTAMENT: 2 Peter 2

What are you tempted to do when things get bad? Especially in the USA right now, it seems like everyone is divided, the country is full of anger, and Christianity is on the decline. What’s going on? Is there any hope?

Looking through Scripture, we can find examples of difficult times for the people of God. Jeremiah chapter 3 is one such example. In the beginning of the chapter, God talks again and again about how corrupt and faithless the people of Israel and Judah have been. God uses the language of divorce, sexual immorality, and idolatry to describe the past mistakes of Israel and the current status for Judah. The problems were obvious. The solution also seemed obvious — return to the Lord. And not only did God declare that this was the right answer — He actively called for His people to return to Him.

But what did the people do?

Reading the rest of the book of Jeremiah, we know that they did not return to the true worship of Yahweh, at least before the exile.

Nevertheless, the middle of Jeremiah 3 should catch our attention. The story does not end with the faithlessness, corruption, and sin.

Jeremiah 3:15-18 (ESV)

15 “‘And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

16 And when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the LORD, they shall no more say, “The ark of the covenant of the LORD.” It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again.

17 At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the LORD, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart.

18 In those days the house of Judah shall join the house of Israel, and together they shall come from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers for a heritage.

The story ends with the goodness of God. No matter what, God will send good shepherds, most importantly the Good Shepherd, Jesus. All nations will come to worship God in the holy city of Jerusalem. The people of God will be reunited again. This is a kingdom promise, a kingdom promise located in the darkest period of the history of the people of God.

Friends, that is our lesson for today: no matter how dark the world gets, no matter how hopeless our future seems, the kingdom is coming. The King is returning.

Instead of focusing on the darkness around us and the turmoil (war, politics, etc.), let’s focus on God and on the hope we have for the future. And let’s share that with others, too.

-Will Barlow

Reflection Questions

Self assessment: how are you feeling with all that is going on in the world today?

    What can you do to be a brighter light in the midst of this darkness?

    How can you stay anchored in the hope of the return of Jesus while also paying appropriate attention to the things of the world?

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    Tremble!

    OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 65 & 66

    POETRY: Psalm 114

    NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 3

    Isaiah 65:17-18 (LEB):

    “For look! I am about to create new heavens and a new earth,

    and the former things shall not be remembered,

    and they shall not come to mind.

    But rejoice and shout in exultation forever and ever

    over what I am about to create!

    For look! I am about to create Jerusalem as a source of joy,

    and her people as a source of gladness.”

    Isaiah 66:2 (LEB):

    “For my hand made all these things,

    and all these came to be,” declares Yahweh.

    “But I look to this one: to the humble and the contrite in spirit,

    and the one who trembles at my word.”

    Psalm 114:7-8 (LEB):

    “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

    at the presence of the God of Jacob,

    who turns the rock into a pool of water,

    the flint into a fountain of water.”

    1 Peter 3:8-9 (LEB):

    “Finally, all of you be like-minded, sympathetic,

    showing mutual love, compassionate, humble,

    not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult,

    but on the contrary blessing others,

    because for this reason you were called,

    so that you could inherit a blessing.”

    In Isaiah 65, God speaks of a future where He will create new heavens and a new earth, where the pain and sorrow of the former world will be forgotten. This promise is not only a vision of a restored creation but a source of deep joy for God’s people. Jerusalem, once marked by suffering and loss, will become a place of gladness, and its people will experience the fullness of God’s grace and redemption.

    As we move into Isaiah 66, the prophet emphasizes the kind of people God looks to in this time of renewal: those who are humble, contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. This passage reminds us that God’s renewal is not just about external transformation but also about the transformation of the heart. God values a spirit that is humble and reverent before Him, acknowledging His greatness and responding in obedience to His word.

    Psalm 114 recounts the mighty works of God during the Exodus, as He led Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. The psalm paints a vivid picture of the earth trembling at God’s presence. The seas part, the mountains skip, and rocks turn into pools of water. This psalm highlights the awe-inspiring power of God over all creation, reminding us of His authority to transform not only nature but also our lives.

    As the earth trembles at God’s presence, we are called to approach Him with reverence. Just as He turned the hard rock into flowing water, God can bring life and renewal to the hardest and most barren areas of our lives. In times of dryness or difficulty, we can trust in God’s power to transform our circumstances and bring about new life.

    1 Peter 3 encourages believers to live in harmony with one another, showing compassion, humility, and love. Peter calls us to be sympathetic and humble, responding to evil and insult not with retaliation but with blessing. This instruction reflects the heart of Jesus’ teachings on loving our enemies and blessing those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). As followers of Christ, we are called to embody a radical love that seeks peace and extends grace, even in the face of opposition.

    Peter’s reminder that we are called to inherit a blessing is significant. As we bless others, we align ourselves with the heart of God, who has blessed us richly through Christ. Our identity as recipients of God’s mercy and grace empowers us to live in ways that reflect His love to the world.

    This week, meditate on the renewal God promises in Isaiah, the power He displays in Psalm 114, and the call to humble, compassionate living in 1 Peter. Let these truths remind you of God’s ability to transform both your life and the world around you, as you seek to live in harmony with others and bless them in Christ’s name.

    -Jeff Ransom

    Reflection Questions:

    How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth in Isaiah 65 inspire hope in your daily life, especially in the midst of challenges or sorrow?

    What does it mean to you to have a “humble and contrite spirit” before God, as described in Isaiah 66? How can you cultivate this posture in your relationship with Him?

    Reflect on the power of God over creation as seen in Psalm 114. How can you trust in His transforming power in areas of your life that feel difficult or barren?

    In what ways can you embody the compassionate and humble living described in 1 Peter 3? How can you actively bless others, even when faced with opposition or insult?

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    Our Amazing Living Hope

    OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 61 & 62

    POETRY: Psalm 112

    NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 1

    Isaiah 61:1-2 (LEB):

    “The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is upon me,

    because Yahweh has anointed me;

    he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,

    to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim release to the captives

    and liberation to those who are bound,

    to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

    to comfort all who mourn.”

    Isaiah 62:11-12 (LEB):

    “Look! Yahweh has proclaimed to the end of the earth:

    Say to daughter Zion, ‘Look, your salvation is coming!

    Look, his reward is with him, and his recompense in his presence.’

    And they shall call them ‘The Holy People, The Redeemed of Yahweh,’

    and you shall be called ‘Sought After, A City Not Forsaken.'”

    Psalm 112:6-7 (LEB):

    “For the righteous will not be moved forever;

    they will be remembered forever.

    They are not afraid of bad news;

    their heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh.”

    1 Peter 1:3-4 (LEB):

    “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    who according to his great mercy

    has caused us to be born again to a living hope

    through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

    into an inheritance imperishable and undefiled

    and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.”

    Isaiah 61 presents a powerful declaration of the Messiah’s mission. This passage, which Jesus Himself read in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-21), speaks of the transformative work of the Spirit of God. The Messiah brings good news to the oppressed, heals the brokenhearted, and proclaims freedom to captives. This is a message of liberation, healing, and hope—a mission of restoring what sin has broken and bringing the year of the Lord’s favor.

    As we move into Isaiah 62, the focus shifts to the future glory and salvation of Zion. God’s people are given new names: “The Holy People” and “The Redeemed of Yahweh.” These names reflect their restored identity and the transformation that salvation brings. Once forsaken and desolate, God’s people are now called “Sought After” and “A City Not Forsaken.” This is a beautiful reminder that God’s salvation renews our identity, bringing hope and purpose where there once was despair.

    Psalm 112 describes the life of the righteous, those who fear the Lord and delight in His commands. The psalmist paints a picture of a life marked by generosity, justice, and steadfastness. The righteous are not afraid of bad news because their hearts are secure in the Lord. Their confidence is not rooted in circumstances, but in the unshakable nature of God’s character.

    Even in the face of uncertainty or difficulty, the righteous remain steadfast, trusting in Yahweh. This psalm encourages us to live with a heart that is grounded in God’s faithfulness. Like a tree firmly planted, the righteous are not easily moved by the storms of life, for their foundation is in the One who holds all things together.

    In 1 Peter 1, we are reminded of the incredible hope we have in Christ. Through his resurrection, we have been born again to a “living hope,” an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. This hope is not something fleeting or fragile, but a secure and eternal reality that is reserved in heaven for us.

    Peter goes on to call believers to live lives of holiness in light of this great hope. Just as God is holy, we are called to be holy in all we do. This holiness is not a burdensome requirement but a response to the incredible mercy and grace we have received. We are to set our hope fully on the grace that is to be revealed at the return of Jesus Christ, allowing this hope to shape our lives and our actions.

    This week, meditate on the liberating mission of the Messiah in Isaiah, the secure life of the righteous in Psalm 112, and the living hope that is yours through the resurrection of Jesus in 1 Peter. Let these truths remind you of your identity as God’s holy and redeemed people, and allow the joy of your salvation to shape every aspect of your life.

    -Jeff Ransom

    Reflection Questions:

    How does the mission of the Messiah in Isaiah 61-62 inspire you to reflect God’s love and healing in your life and the lives of others?

    In what ways can you cultivate the steadfastness described in Psalm 112, especially when faced with difficult news or circumstances?

    How does the living hope described in 1 Peter 1 give you encouragement in your daily walk? How can this hope shape your perspective and actions?

    What steps can you take to live a life of holiness, as Peter encourages, knowing that this is a response to the incredible grace and salvation you have received?

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