Victoriously Faithful
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 15 and Psalm 137 (NIV)
(Marjorie Tan from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Revelation 15:1-4 and Psalm 137:8-9 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Revelation 15:1-4 foretells a hopeful victorious outcome for all believers who faithfully pursue the goal of living a guaranteed, satisfying eternity with their Redeemer. Of “great significance” was the “marvelous event” that would “bring God’s wrath to completion” and equip His redeemed people with the means to praise Him forever! Having resisted “the beast and his statue”, they each will be given a harp by God to rejoice over the eventual destruction of their enemies.
The verses in Psalm 137 describe God’s wrath that “smashes the babies” of His enemies “against the rocks”. I found this idea initially revolting but have since learnt to trust Holy God as the true Judge who will “pay back” every evil inflicted on His people. In Revelation we see God unleash the apocalyptic “seven last plagues” to destroy Satan and his followers.
APPLY:
I see God’s warning that idolatry is the evil to guard against. It couches itself in seemingly justifiable ways. However, God to whom “ All nations will come and worship”, is mighty to save the faithful who remain “victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name”. It behoves me to know and love my Maker in whose image I am created. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. It directs life-giving choices, thereby safeguarding me from any other priority or worship that draws me away from God.
DO:
The imageries in both passages spur me to remain steadfast, committed and true to the Lord my God. Gratefully walking in Christ’s righteousness gives me victory to
- Reject an idolatrous lifestyle that will break my covenant with God
- Follow God’s “just and true” way – resist retaliating or seeking convenient but ungodly solutions
- Overcome evil with love – “Forgive as God has forgiven me”, pray for wicked doers to discover hope in His redeeming mercy for them
- Care for those suffering from the evils of injustice and neglect
PRAY:
Glorious God whose majesty is for all to fear, thank You for preparing praise for the faithful and punishment for the wicked. Help me to walk steadfastly in fear of Your holiness and Lordship, to share Your compassion with all who would seek Your deliverance from evil. Amen.
