Daily Reading Week 45
Sunday
Revelation 13
DISCOVER:
1. Reflect on your initial reactions and feelings when you encounter difficulties. Do you tend to feel overwhelmed, or do you remember that God is in control?
2. Consider practical steps you can take to keep God’s sovereignty at the forefront of your mind. This might include prayer, reading scripture, or talking with a trusted friend or mentor.
3. Think about past experiences where God has turned challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth and blessing. How can these memories strengthen your faith in His control over current and future trials?
RESPOND:
There is much debate among theologians about what the visions recorded by John in Revelation represent. Is he seeing future events that occur after Christ returns, or is he seeing representations of the kinds of events that will occur during the period between Christ’s ascension and his return? In either case there is much that we can be certain of. In Revelation 13, we are introduced to the fierce enemies of God’s people. These adversaries seem powerful and intimidating, but it is comforting to remember that they are ultimately on God’s leash. They can go no farther than the Lord has permitted, for they are not equal in power or authority to Him.
The imagery in Revelation 13 can be daunting. The beasts described represent forces of evil that oppose God’s people. Yet, amidst this portrayal of opposition, we find a comforting truth: these enemies are limited by God’s sovereign will. They cannot act beyond what He allows. This truth brings immense comfort. It reminds us that no matter how fierce the opposition, it is under God’s control. The enemies of the church may roar and threaten, but they are restrained by the Almighty. They cannot finally defeat the church because their power is not absolute. Only God holds ultimate authority.
When we face trials and opposition, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But Revelation 13 encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty. The challenges we encounter are not outside His control. He has set boundaries for our adversaries, and they cannot cross them.
Moreover, God promises to use even the attacks of our enemies for our good and His glory. What the enemy intends for harm, God can transform into a means of growth and blessing. Our trials become opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness.
Monday
Revelation 20:1-6
DISCOVER:
How does understanding God’s sovereignty help me cope with uncertainty about the future?
Which millennial view resonates most with me, and why?
In what ways can I remind myself of Christ’s current reign and his ultimate victory?
RESPOND:
Eschatology, the study of the last things, includes many controversial topics, and the millennium is one of the most debated. Even people that don’t spend much time on theology will still try to understand the millennium described in Revelation 20:1–6.
The different views on the millennium arise partly because Revelation uses highly symbolic language. It’s challenging to know when to interpret the book figuratively and when to take it literally. Additionally, Revelation 20:1–6 is the only passage in the Bible that explicitly discusses the millennial reign of Christ, leading to varied interpretations due to the limited information.
There are three main views in Christian theology regarding the millennium. The premillennial view holds that the thousand years mentioned in Revelation is a literal period. According to this view, Christ will return and reign over an earthly kingdom for a thousand years before the new heavens and earth come.
The amillennial view interprets the millennium figuratively. It sees the millennium as the entire period between Christ’s ascension and His return, meaning it is much longer than a literal thousand years. In this view, Christ is currently ruling over a spiritual kingdom, which will be fully realized when He returns, bringing the new heavens and earth.
The postmillennial view agrees with amillennialism that the millennium occurs before Christ’s return. However, it holds that there will be a period of widespread peace and prosperity resulting from the preaching of the gospel before Jesus returns. This differs from amillennialism, which suggests that things will mostly continue as they are until Christ returns, with the gospel spreading in some areas and being resisted in others.
Faithful Christians have different opinions on this matter, making it hard to hold any view too strongly. However, we must affirm that Christ is currently ruling and reigning over the universe. He has been exalted to God’s right hand and will reign until all things are under His feet (1 Cor. 15:25).
Even when the future is unclear and interpretations vary, we can rest in God’s sovereignty. He is in control, and His plans will unfold according to His perfect will. This assurance allows us to trust Him fully, knowing that He reigns supreme over all things, now and forever.
Tuesday
Revelation 20:7-10
DISCOVER:
How do you react when you see an increase in evil or sin in society? Do you feel fear, anger, or a sense of helplessness? How can you turn these feelings over to God?
In what ways can you remind yourself of Christ’s ultimate victory when faced with overwhelming evil?
How can you stand firm in your faith and live righteously in a world that often celebrates sin?
RESPOND:
In Revelation 20:7-10, we read about a time when Satan will be released from his prison and will gather a vast army to wage war against God’s people. This passage paints a picture of the increase in overt evil and the audacity of the enemy to challenge the church. As we observe the world around us, it can be disheartening to see societies approving of what they know to be sin. However, this passage also offers hope and assurance for believers.
We do not want to take the increase in overt evil lightly. It is a serious matter when societies begin to embrace and even celebrate sin. This can lead to a sense of fear and helplessness as we witness the growing boldness of evil. Yet, Revelation 20:7-10 reminds us that no matter how powerful the enemy appears, he is ultimately no match for the Lord of hosts.
Satan may gather an innumerable force to try and defeat the church, but his efforts are futile against the power of God. The passage tells us that fire will come down from heaven and consume the enemy, and the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire, where he will be tormented forever. This is a powerful reminder that the victory belongs to the Lord.
As believers, we should not ultimately fear when evil increases. Our confidence is in Christ, who has already secured the victory. The enemy cannot finally defeat us because we are in Christ, and He is greater than any force that comes against us. This assurance allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when the world around us seems to be falling into deeper sin.
We are called to be vigilant and to stand against evil, but we do so with the knowledge that our ultimate victory is secure. This perspective helps us to remain steadfast and hopeful, trusting in God’s sovereign plan and His power to overcome all evil.
Wednesday
Revelation 20:11-15
DISCOVER:
How does the promise of eternal rewards influence my daily actions and decisions?
In what ways can I demonstrate my faith through good works without seeking earthly recognition?
How can I cultivate a heart that is more concerned with eternal treasures than with temporary, earthly gains?
RESPOND:
Revelation 20:11-15 presents an image of the final judgment. This passage reminds us that while eternal life comes solely through faith in Christ, the specific rewards we receive in the life to come will differ according to our works. Our works do not earn us a place in heaven, but God, in His grace, rewards our faithful service.
The vision of the great white throne and the books being opened can be both awe-inspiring and sobering. It underscores the reality that our lives are being recorded, and our actions have eternal significance. While our salvation is secured by faith in Christ alone, our works are a testament to our faith and will be rewarded accordingly.
Understanding that our works will be rewarded in heaven should motivate us to live faithfully and diligently for the Lord. It encourages us to serve others, share the gospel, and live out our faith in tangible ways. Knowing that God sees and values our efforts, no matter how small, can inspire us to persevere in doing good.
This perspective also helps us to focus on eternal rewards rather than earthly recognition. It reminds us that our goal is to glorify God and to store up treasures in heaven, where they will last forever.
Thursday
Revelation 21:1-8
DISCOVER:
How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth influence my perspective on current hardships?
In what ways can I remind myself of the temporary nature of my present struggles?
How can I appreciate the blessings in my life as glimpses of the greater joy to come?
RESPOND:
Revelation 21:1-8 gives us a vision of the new heaven and new earth. This future new creation, free of all trouble, helps us put the difficulties of this life in perspective. While we do not minimize the hardships we face, the promise of the new heaven and earth assures us that these problems will one day cease. This hope helps us endure in faith and reminds us that the best things in life are merely a foretaste of the bliss that will be ours at the return of Christ.
The vision of the new heaven and new earth is a reminder of God’s ultimate plan for His creation. In this new creation, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. All the former things will pass away, and God will make everything new. This promise gives us hope and strength to endure the trials of this life.
When we face difficulties, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, Revelation 21:1-8 encourages us to look beyond our present struggles to the glorious future that awaits us. The hardships we experience now are temporary, and they will be completely eradicated in the new creation.
Understanding that a future free of trouble awaits us helps us to endure our current challenges with faith and hope. It reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). This perspective allows us to face our difficulties with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God has a perfect plan for our future.
Moreover, the promise of the new creation encourages us to cherish the good things in life as glimpses of the greater joy to come. The blessings we experience now are just a small taste of the eternal bliss that will be ours when Christ returns. This helps us to appreciate the present while eagerly anticipating the future.
Friday
Revelation 21:9-27
DISCOVER:
How do I prepare my heart and mind for worship each Sunday?
In what ways can I make my worship experience more intentional and heartfelt?
How does the promise of God’s eternal presence in the New Jerusalem influence my daily life and worship?
RESPOND:
Revelation 21:9-27 gives us a stunning vision of the New Jerusalem, a city radiant with the glory of God. The greatest aspect of heaven is not the beauty of the city itself, but the presence of God dwelling within it. This passage reminds us that our worship here on earth is a brief taste of the glories of being in His presence.
As we read about the New Jerusalem, we see a city filled with the light of God’s glory. There is no need for the sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp. The gates of the city are never shut, and the nations walk by its light. This imagery emphasizes that the most magnificent aspect of heaven is the unending presence of God.
When we gather for public worship, we are entering into a sacred space where we can experience a foretaste of this heavenly reality. Our worship is an opportunity to come before the High King of the universe, to bask in His glory, and to be reminded of His majesty and holiness. It is a time to set aside our earthly concerns and focus on the eternal, to lift our hearts and voices in praise to the One who reigns supreme.
As you prepare for worship this Sunday, remember that you are entering the glorious presence of God. Approach this time with reverence and awe, recognizing that you are joining with believers around the world and throughout history in worshiping the King of kings. Let this perspective transform your worship experience, making it a time of deep connection with God and a reminder of the eternal joy that awaits us in His presence.
Consider how you can make your worship more intentional and heartfelt. Reflect on the words of the songs, the prayers, and the scriptures. Allow yourself to be fully present, setting aside distractions and focusing on the greatness of God. Let your worship be a reflection of your love and gratitude for all that He has done and all that He promises to do.
Saturday
Revelation 22
DISCOVER:
How does the assurance of Jesus’ ultimate victory influence my perspective on current struggles and challenges?
In what ways can I actively hold fast to my faith in Jesus amidst the pressures and temptations of this world?
How can I share the hope of eternal life with others, encouraging them to trust in Jesus?
RESPOND:
Revelation 22 provides a beautiful and hopeful conclusion to the Bible, reminding us of the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. At present, the people of God may seem small in number and perpetually under siege by the evil powers of this world. However, Revelation assures us that this is not the ultimate reality. Jesus will win in the end, and in fact, He has already won. We have a great and glorious inheritance coming when Jesus returns. The original audience of Revelation desperately needed to hear these words. They were under persecution and were tempted in many ways to compromise in order to preserve themselves and their livelihoods. Jesus appeared to John in order to assure this audience that their suffering was worth it, that when He comes He will give to those who conquer—to those who persevere in faith—eternal blessings
The final chapter of Revelation paints a picture of the new heaven and new earth, where the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. The tree of life stands on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and providing healing for the nations. This imagery symbolizes the fullness of life and the complete restoration that awaits us.
Despite the current challenges and the apparent strength of evil in the world, Revelation 22 reminds us that Jesus is victorious. He declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). This affirmation of His eternal sovereignty assures us that He is in control and that His victory is certain.
Knowing that Jesus has already won and that we have a glorious inheritance awaiting us should strengthen our faith and resolve. We are called to hold fast to Him, trusting in His promises and living in the hope of His return. This hope should also motivate us to share the good news with others, inviting them to trust in Jesus and receive eternal life.
As we navigate the difficulties of this world, let us remember that our struggles are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. Let this perspective guide our actions and attitudes, helping us to remain steadfast in our faith and to encourage others to join us in this hope.