I have doing a bit of thinking about Revelation lately and have discovered that it is an incredibly practical book. I have been posting a thought on each chapter of Revelation at https://thinkythings.com/read/ over the last couple of weeks. If you haven’t seen them and are interested in what Jesus is telling you in his last message then head to the Thinky Things website at https://thinkythings.com/read/, or click the “read” button below. Enjoy, and be blessed by this amazing book.

Revelation 17 v 14
VICTORY

In the last days one of the signs of the times we will see is when ten kings “will make war on the Lamb.” (Revelation 17 v 14 ESV). Having combined their power with the beast, the ten kings will seem like an unstoppable force. Together the ten kings and the beast will have a monopoly on world power, and especially in the Middle East. But listen to what happens next: “and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” (v 14).

While we sit here and read this in the comfort of our lounges, what does this mean for us?

There are three qualifications to being with Jesus and joining in with the victory on that day.

  1. We need to be called. We have no control over that, apart from choosing to respond to the calling.
  2. We need to be chosen. Our only control over whether we are chosen or not is to humble ourselves, to become obedient, to work on being changed to be like Christ, and to build a relationship with God and Jesus, all so that we become a good choice.
  3. And then we need to be faithful. Don’t switch teams no matter who looks like they are winning. Stay faithful to Jesus no matter what.

Then, when the day comes, we will be there with Jesus rejoicing in the ultimate victory.

Revelation 18 v 7
LIVING IN LUXURY

At the fall of Babylon, her sins are described along with the judgement from God that is coming upon her. I would expect that we, as followers of Christ, are not at all like the harlot Babylon, but sometimes we can find ourselves slipping into some of her traits. One in particular caught my attention as I read Revelation 18. It says, “As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning.” (Revelation 18 v 7 ESV). The verse continues describing the prideful attitude in her heart, an attitude God hates.

Glorifying ourselves and living in luxury are two symptoms of pride that we can easily get used to. It’s nice to be proud of who God made us to be, but we need to remember to give the glory to him and not take it to ourselves. Taking pride in how good we look, in our skills or social position, or even in a discussion where “my story is better than yours,” are all warning signs of pride.

And what about living in luxury? The better house, better car, comfortable recliners, holidays in exotic places … how much does living in luxury define us?

Let’s be sure we don’t fall into the same prideful sins as Babylon.

May we be encouraged as we finish reading the book of Revelation this week.

With love in our Lord
Robert
https://thinkythings.com/read/