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BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 14 and Psalm 139 (NIV)
(Barnabas Ng, DISCIPLE Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Revelation 14 and Psalm 139 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The Book of Revelation reads much like the news we see these days: wars, chaos, natural disasters, riots and protests that are happening around the world. And on our own personal front: job security, loss of loved ones, and struggles that we face each day, with each obstacle seeming more daunting than the one before. No wonder it can be a real struggle when we go through Revelation.
But somehow, God knows that there is just so much we can bear, and Revelation 14 speaks forth some assurances and encouragement to us and possibly a calling to each of us as a Christian, as listed below:
• Assurance 1 – The redeemed will be with Christ. Whether the number 144,000 is literal or symbolic, what stood out for me was the word “redeem”, which means to gain or regain possession of something in exchange for payment. Christ has paid for our sins through his act on the cross so that we can stand victorious beside him.
• Assurance 2 – Judgement will come, and justice will be executed. The hour of judgement will come, and God will pour out His wrath and anger in full force upon the ungodly and evil of this world. Amid this, God also has a word of encouragement for His saints who are going through trials or tribulations; in vv12-13, He calls for each of us to keep His commandments and our faith in Christ.
• Calling – “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe” (Revelation 14:15) – While this verse spoke about Christ reaping the final harvest, it reminded me of what Christ has spoken in Luke 10:2. Christ called each of us to be partakers, co-labourers with Him. For plants to be fully ripe for harvest, they must go through a process of seeding, germination, pollination and irrigation to grow. Likewise, we are called to be witnesses, fellow disciples and mentors to help and journey with fellow Christians.
APPLY:
As what a social media content creator would say, “Like, Subscribe and Share!”, this is what we can put into practice:
• Love (Like) – Let our lives be identified with God as we keep our ears attuned to His voice.
• Champion (Subscribe) – Let us champion God with our lives, holding fast to our faith and keeping His commandments close to our heart.
• Share! – Be His witness and plant the seeds. Be a fellow disciple to walk beside and journey with brothers and sisters in Christ. Be that mentor to guide, teach and encourage your mentee to grow in their own journey with Christ.
DO:
Just as Revelation 14 shows forth the picture of final victory, may I be a beacon of hope and light to those that have yet to experience God’s love and victory in their lives this coming week.
PRAY:
Lord, thank you for your assurances and glimpse of the final victory so that I can take courage as we face the unknown and challenges ahead of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
