November 30, 2020

God Wins—A Vision of Hope

Revelation 1:19

Rawles Bell
Monday's Devo

November 30, 2020

Monday's Devo

November 30, 2020

Central Truth

God is in complete control of all future events and reminds us of the eternal hope we have in Him. He has unstoppable plans to put an end to evil and bring you into His glory. Praise be to God!

Key Verse | Revelation 21:3-5

". . . Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. . . . Behold, I am making all things new."

Revelation 1:19

19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.

Dive Deeper | Revelation 1:19

It is so easy for me to get bogged down in the sometimes cryptic symbolism and timeline of Revelation: What's the meaning of 666? Is the antichrist alive? When will the rapture happen?

The questions go on and on (and many are certainly worth exploring), but what is the central message of Revelation? What truths can we draw from it that apply to our life today? I offer a few:

1. A Message of Citizenship. This world is not our home—and thank goodness it's not! We experience pain, sorrow, and tragedy, but God is making all things new (Revelation 21:5)! We will face many trials in this world, but this book gives us courage to persevere because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Revelation reiterates that our citizenship is in heaven and not here on earth (Philippians 3:20).

2. A Message of Sovereignty. God is in complete control of all future events. God isn't sitting around wondering what He is going to do with us, how/if He will put an end to evil, and so on. He has a magnificent and fully sovereign plan to conquer evil forever and dwell among us in a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). This gives us assurance that God will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 46:10). If He holds such spectacular things in His hand, how much more does He hold the events of today in His hand?

3. A Message of Hope. God wins. Period. Regardless of what is happening in your life today, this week, this year, there is a victorious ending to this story. Satan is defeated, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:4)

With all the interpretation and confusion surrounding the book of Revelation, we know one thing for sure: Jesus is coming back!

So live today with the end in mind.

"Surely, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20) If that doesn't get you pumped, I don't know what will!

 

Discussion Questions

1. Do you need to be reminded that God is in control of all things? How does this message of hope change how you live your day? Come up with one actionable item that you can do today.

2. "Gaze on this: He is among the lampstands—the churches—as the son of man, the one with power over the nations and with everlasting dominion and glory. He is the great high priest that has put away the sins of his people once and for all. He is as aged and wise and mature as the great white-crowned Ancient of Days, yet with eyes that are aflame with the fire of youth and energy and hope and exhilaration for his unstoppable plans for you and for this church and for the world." —John Piper

How does this reminder move your mind from anxiety/fear/worry to peace/hope/love? 

3. Reflect on the lyrics of the "Is He Worthy" worship song. Or even better, listen to it here: https://youtu.be/-c6pl6CaiD0

Is all creation groaning?
(It is)
Is a new creation coming?
(It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?
(It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this?
(It is)

Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

Is He worthy? 
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is

These lyrics are anchored in Revelation, proclaiming that a new creation is coming and that God will live among us. How does God want us to live today with this in mind? In what ways can we share this hope with others?