Revelation Day 13 - Don't Give Up!

DAY 13
Don’t Give Up!
Colossians 1:9-14 

Revelation 4 and 5 are a breathtaking vision of God and the Lamb.

But why did John and his churches need this vision at this time?

Why do we need it?

Think about this: Jesus just consoled and criticized John’s seven churches (Rev 2 and 3). They’ve got a tough road ahead because they’re the minority. The culture’s against them. The government’s not their friend. Jesus is about to show them in the chapters ahead that their spiritual battle is far from over. It may even cost some of them their lives. It would be easy to quit and go with the flow.

But for a moment, they’re lifted from the chaos with Pastor John. They see that no matter what happens, God’s government isn’t threatened by Earth’s unrest. They’re hypnotized by the unmatchable beauty of Jesus Christ.

So many hurting people, hungry for God, have had these transcendent meetings with God throughout history. For example, the great 13th c. scholar and theologian, Thomas Aquinas, had encountered God in a powerful way months before his death. He said, “I can write no more. I have seen things that make my writings like straw.”

What does an experience like that do?

Two things. First, it encourages you to persevere. Remember, Jesus praised the churches for perseverance, endurance, steady commitment to the Way of Jesus. How many times do we feel like giving up? How often do we wonder, “Is any of this God-stuff worth it? Is my faith making any difference? Am I making any progress in becoming more like Jesus? Can God really bring anything good out of this mess we’ve made?” Revelation 4 and 5 say, “YES, don’t give up!”

It’s like when you’re a kid, waking up from a nightmare, realizing it was all a dream, mom or dad comes in to hug you, tell you everything is ok, you’re safe now. You know you’ve gotta go back to sleep, you might have more bad dreams, but the realest thing is this. They’ve got you.

Pauls prays God will strengthen the Colossians “so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Col. 1:11, NIV). God shows you his glory. Don’t give up!

REFLECT
When have you been tempted to give up? Have you ever been tempted to give up on walking the Way of Jesus?

PRAY
Our Father, fill me with knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding the Spirit gives. Strengthen me with all power so that I may have great endurance and patience. Don’t let me give up on you. Amen.