Daily Reading Week 52
monday dec. 26
revelation 1
Discover:
From whom did the message to John come, and what is the purpose of the message?
How did he receive the message, and what did he do with it – 1:1,2?
To whom is the message addressed, and what should they (and we) do with it – 1:3,4?
Respond:
This week we will be looking at several chapters of the book of Revelation. This book has been the subject of much discussion and speculation throughout the history of the church. At the time of its writing the early church was suffering much persecution but some questioned the book's divine inspiration. At the time of the Reformation, many believed the book’s prophecy was being fulfilled as the papacy persecuted the Protestants. In the 19th century, several theological sects were born claiming to have unlocked the secrets of the book. Over the past few decades books attempting to show how events in Revelation are unfolding presently have often dominated the bestsellers lists of Christian books. Many look at this history and believe a study of Revelation to be a hopeless exercise. If we grasp the book’s main message - that Jesus will ultimately defeat all of his enemies - things become less confusing. Revelation reminds us that all is not as it seems and that the Lord is not absent when his people suffer. He remains the true power and will prevail. His enemies and ours, the world, the flesh, and the devil, war against him and us, but their defeat is sure. The Revelation to John is from and about the Lord Jesus Christ and is a message to us today that we can trust in his ultimate victory.
tuesday Dec. 27
daniel 7
Discover:
Who came before the Ancient of Days – 7:13? How is His coming described?
What did He receive – 7:14? How is it described?
How did the visions affect Daniel – 7:15,16?
What request did he make?
Respond:
“Christ” and “Lord” are the most frequently used titles for Jesus by the authors of the New Testament. When Jesus refers to himself however, he most frequently uses the title “Son of Man”. Chapter 7 of Daniel describes a vision Daniel had of God (the “Ancient of Days”) sitting in judgment over beasts that were ruling over the earth. God passes judgment, removes their ruling authority, and gives that authority to “one like a son of man”. This son of man is a heavenly figure. His origin, dignity, and majesty are emphasized. He will rule forevermore. When Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man he is identifying himself with this figure described by Daniel. In the gospel of Mark we see Jesus talking about coming on the clouds just as Daniel 7 refers to the son of man. By claiming this title for himself he emphasizes his heavenly origin so we know that he is the King who will conquer all and reign forever.
wednesday Dec. 28
revelatioin 5
Discover:
What was in the hand of the One on the throne – 5:1?
Why could it not be read – 5:2,3?
What problem was raised by a strong angel? Who responded at first to the call (v3), and how did this affect John – 5:4?
When John looked, what did He see – 5:6?
Respond:
When John hears that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered and is able to open the scroll, he turns to see the Lion, Jesus Christ. Instead of a Lion however, John sees “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain”. The vision reveals an awesome truth of our redemption, that Jesus is the Lion and the Lamb. Augustine of Hippo explains the significance: “Why a lamb in his passion? Because he underwent death without being guilty of any iniquity. Why a lion in his passion? Because in being slain he slew death. Why a lamb in his resurrection? Because his innocence is everlasting. Why a lion in his resurrection? Because everlasting also is his might.” Throughout history the enemies of God have waged a fierce war against God and the army that we have been enlisted in. The Lamb has ensured the victory and secured the throne for the Lion to rule on forever.
thursday Dec. 29
Revelation 19
Discover:
What sound did John hear – 19:6?
How is the sound symbolically described?
What event was cause for joy in – 19:7?
Who is the “wife” and in what sense would she “marry” the Lamb?
What did John do to the angel – 19:10? How did the angel respond? Why?
What did John see next? – 19:11?
Respond:
In Revelation 19 we see both the celebration of the marriage of Christ to his church as well as the final battle between Jesus and his enemies. To call this conflict a battle however gives too much credit to the enemies of God. No real struggle is recorded as Satan and his followers are doomed at the appearance of Jesus. Knowing that Jesus will ultimately defeat all of his (and our) enemies is an important truth for life in the present. God either dealt with sin at the cross, or he will deal with it at the end of time. In either case there has been, or will be, a reckoning of all sin. We can leave vengeance in his hands and show patience and even love towards our enemies. Forgiveness should come more naturally to us knowing this. Holding grudges against those that have wronged us is a lack of faith in God’s sovereignty and his redemptive plan.
friday Dec. 30
Revelation 20
Discover:
Who will judge men – 20:12? Who will come to be judged?
On what basis will people be judged?
What will happen to death and Hades – 20:14?
What is the destiny of those not found in the Book of Life – 20:15?
Respond:
Chapter 20 of Revelation introduces the thousand year reign of Christ. Few other topics have been as hotly debated among theologians as the millennium. Is it literal? Will it happen? When will it happen? Is it happening now? Has it already happened? These are some of the questions that are debated. On this topic I would agree with C.S. Lewis who said “I should have been out of my depths in such waters; more in need of help myself than able to help others.” Despite the disagreement among learned theologians past and present on the subject of the end times there are points where Christians can, and should all agree.
Christ will come to earth a second time bodily and visibly to complete his plan of salvation and judgment (Heb 9:28, Acts 1:11, 1 Thes 4:16, Matt 26:64)
All mankind will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10)
Those that are in Christ will be welcomed to inherit the kingdom that has been prepared for them (Matt 25:34). Those outside of Christ will face eternal punishment. Heaven and Hell are the only two ultimate destinations (Matt 25:46)
These things are abundantly clear. All of these things draw nearer with each passing day. Our present task is not to be all-consumed with end times prophecy but to live in anticipation of them. Where we will be in the end depends on what we do now.
saturday Dec. 31
revelation 21
Discover:
What did John see in 21:1? What had happened to the first heaven and earth?
What is the significance of a bride prepared for her husband?
What has God done according to 21:5? How does this relate to v4?
How are the city walls and gates described – 21:12?
What temple does the city have – 21:22? How does this differ from Old Testament Jerusalem?
Respond:
The numbers and other imagery describing Heaven are probably metaphorical as is the case with apocalyptic literature. What they tell us is clear however. Our final home will be beautiful and immense. Paul tells us in Romans 8:18 that “the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” When we take an eternal perspective we can be confident that the pain we experience in this life will be overwhelmed by the joys of Heaven. We should daily ask the Lord to enable us to endure our present sufferings as we long for his return.
sunday Jan. 1
2 Timothy 2
Discover:
In what sense might Christians die with Christ – 2:11? What reward would follow?
What will happen if we endure suffering for Him – 2:12?
What will happen if we deny Christ? In what ways can people deny Him?
What does Christ do if we lack faith – 2:13?
Respond:
That we are kings and queens in Christ is not an idea conjured to boost our self-worth but a reality that we will enjoy at the resurrection of the dead. We will sit on thrones beside our Savior and enjoy by his grace what is his by right. Until that time we should strive to reign over our sinful passions, bringing our thoughts and affections into submission to Christ by the power of the Spirit through his Word.