Resilient – A Revelation Daily Devotional – Day 48
Day 48 – September 13
Read or listen to the audio version of the Bible Reading and Daily Devotional.
The final verses of Revelation are more than just a conclusion; they are a call to action. The words of this prophecy are trustworthy and true. This isn’t a collection of fantastical stories but a reliable message from God about things that are “unseen yet both already and soon to be taking place.” This urgency is meant to motivate believers to live in light of what has been revealed. Again, this is not a hidden treasure map to solve secrets, it is call to faithful courage in the face of adversity and spiritual warfare.
In our culture, it can become quite easy to ignore Santa and worship the presents. What I mean by that is that we tend to focus on the immediate gifts or happenings rather than the giver. Perhaps this is one of reason for the apocalyptic-prophetic text calling us to wake up to realities unseen. To truly contemplate God’s sovereignty as it relates to both prosperity and pain.
John is not immune to this trap either. In awe of this vision, he falls at the feet of the angel to worship him. The angel immediately stops him, stating. He is only a messenger and not the one deserving of worship. This is a powerful reminder that all of God’s servants, whether divine or human, are simply that: servants. Our worship belongs to God alone, and we must not get so caught up in the message that we forget the one who sent it.
The angel then delivers a command that seems to go against the typical prophetic practice of the time: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.” Unlike Daniel, who was told to seal his prophecy, John is commanded to make it public. This underscores the immediacy of the message. The truths of Revelation are not for a distant future; they are for the present, intended to guide and strengthen believers in their current circumstances.
The passage concludes with a stark and sobering reality: we all must choose between evil and righteousness. This is not just a command but a declaration of spiritual finality. The time for decision is now. The finality of these choices means that those who refuse to follow God’s call will continue on their destructive path, while those who have chosen righteousness will continue to be made holy.
The final verses of this chapter are a plea for immediacy and obedience. The reality of Christ’s imminent return and the final judgment should not inspire fear but a renewed sense of purpose. The message is clear: live with the understanding that what you’ve read is true, the time is at hand, and your choices matter.
Pray: God, thank you for the clarity and truth of your Word. Help me to live with a sense of urgency, knowing that your promises are true and your return is near. Strengthen me to remain faithful. Amen.