The Future is Now
Today’s Verse:
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. ~Revelation 1:3
The Book of Revelation is the prophecy our Lord has given to us about things which must shortly come to pass. It gives us an understanding of the coming events and judgments that God will exercise on Earth during the seven-year period of time we refer to as the Great Tribulation. We see God’s Word for this present church age, a view of Heaven, and the judgment of God. Our devotion this morning encourages us how to derive the most out of our reading and study of Revelation. We should not shy away from the many symbols used but, instead, devote ourselves to understanding that the future is now.
We see the happiness.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy….” The word “blessed” means happy, rejoicing, and contented. The intended audience for reading and hearing is God’s people. God’s people should be happy reading and hearing this prophecy because it gives us an upfront look at what will happen in the future. We should be happy because we will not go through the tribulation period. We should be happy because we have been given details about Heaven and how we will be busy serving and worshipping our Lord. We should be happy because the words of prophecy are meant to draw us closer to the Lord.
We see the here.
John speaks of “this prophecy.” It is the prophecy specific to what will happen here on Earth. We are seeing things unfold in our lifetime that are precursors to the Great Tribulation. The Covid-19 pandemic that we are in, the overreach of the government in its attempt to contain the pandemic, the fear among the general population, the numerous wildfires, and increased anarchy are just a small foretaste of the seven years of Great Tribulation. This prophecy is a stark reminder that the future is now. We must be emboldened in our faith and not become delusional or nonchalant about what is happening here and now.
We see the holding.
“And keep those things which are written therein….” The word “keep” means we must hold fast. We must hold fast to preaching the everlasting gospel, getting more people saved, and seeing more churches started. We must hold fast to sound doctrine and not allow the trends of the day to move us. We must hold fast in staying fervent in spirit and keeping things alive and thriving. We must not become like the church at Ephesus which left its first love, like the churches at Pergamos and Thyatira which tolerated false doctrines, like the church at Sardis which let things die, or like the church at Laodicea which became indifferent and lukewarm about the things of God. We must continue in the things which we have learned and have been taught.
We see the hastening.
“... For the time is at hand.” First, Jesus is coming to rapture the saved out of this world. We believe in the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He could come at any moment. Second, it’s later than we think. After the Rapture, the wrath of God is poured out on everyone left behind. The man of sin, the Antichrist, will assume his place and work havoc throughout the Earth. Third, there will be widespread suffering and martyrdom for those who get saved during the tribulation. Our prayer must be, “Even so, come Lord Jesus”! The future is now. Live your life as if the Lord is coming today.
Have a blessed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Mark 12-13