Revelation 14-16
Devotion by Isaac Cain (NE)
Growing up in the midwest it was common for part of the “goodbye” routine to someone who’s about to drive away is to say “and watch for the deer”. Deer suddenly running out in front of a car is a common enough occurrence where it has become a regional culture to always remind one another of the potential threat. I personally have had many nights driving slowly with corn fields on either side vigilantly watching to make a response.
This readiness is exactly what God or Jesus (it’s not exactly clear) calls for us to do as his followers.
“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15)
This reading section has all kinds of significant moments of judgment from God against all who have rebelled against Him – and you do not want to be on the receiving end of any of them. We read of painful sores, rivers of blood, the world’s largest earthquake (literally chapter 16 states it is the world’s largest earthquake!), and hail weighing up to 100 pounds falling onto God’s enemies! Therefore, we are given a loving warning to keep true to the faith and allegiance to Jesus.
Our watching, vigilance, daily process of dying to ourselves and living for Christ daily is not in vain. We not only evade the intense wrath of God, but we also receive the intense salvation and life from God. These peeks into the future are not serving as a trivial knowledge that does not serve much utility to our daily lives now. Instead, they serve as a tangible vision for what direction each of our daily steps needs to be headed.
We currently are like the midwest driver at night surrounded by cornfields. At any point, the deer that we know is coming, is going to jump out in front of us, we will miss it, but the non-attentive driver will not be as fortunate. Not only that, but being a vigilant driver serves to our benefit throughout the drive anyway. There are far more things to consider when driving than simply not hitting the deer like staying in your lane, not running into other cars, going out into the ditch, or the countless other bad scenarios my mom concerned herself with when I first went behind the wheel! Staying awake and ready not only avoids the dreaded end and receives the blessed end, but it also helps us avoid the avoidable pains of this life.
So let us heed the warning from Revelation today as we navigate through this life to always remember to “watch for the deer” to worship God, receive salvation, and experience God’s goodness in this life.
Reflection Questions
What is the difference between being a vigilant Christian and a paranoid one?
How does God seem to balance His love and His justice against wickedness in these chapters?
Seek Grow Love 