Jesus wins! So, we win!

Thursday 12-29-16, Modesto, California

Today we read Rev 10 - 14 

S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Rev 14:12-14 Let this encourage God's holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus." And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their toils and trials; for their good deeds follow them!” NLT

O. Christians everywhere were suffering the persecution that Jesus had told them would come.  John, who wrote down this detailed vision, was banished and imprisoned on the Island of Patmos for preaching the message of Jesus. Jesus gives John this vision to encourage him and other Christians who were, and still are, struggling under severe persecution… to assure them that the final outcome of all this is “Jesus wins!” and so we, too, win with Him!

A. Although the vision of John contains images that we may only fully understand when they take place, we can be comforted and anticipate the future, knowing that Jesus, the Lamb of God, still sits upon the throne of the universe and our future is secure in Him. 

P. Lord Jesus, I am fully aware that my life, as an active Christian, has thus far suffered very little or not at all, in relation to many in foreign lands where Christians are marginalized, despised and persecuted. You have carried me into enemy territory to storm the gates of hell, allowing me to break into Satan’s territory, rescue some of his captives and somehow miraculously come out of it all unscathed. I recognize that I have been, and still am, a product of Your divine mercy and grace. Today I honor those who have had to watch their loved ones being beheaded before their very eyes for the sake of Your name… and who continue faithful to the end. Amen.

Ralph