Saturday, November 17, 2007
Revelation 7:14, 17 These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb . . . the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
DAY OF JOY!
Even Christians can have a great lack of joy in their lives. We are often joyless because we don't see simple reality. Today's Bible verse shows us reality! It shows us the reality of our future. It shows us that on the other side of the doorway marked death, there is really and truly a wonderful new world waiting for you and me.
On this side of the door there are bills to pay and deadlines to meet. On this side there are long hours of back-breaking and mind-numbing work. On this side there are broken bones, broken promises and broken hearts. There is guilt and deep shame. There is trouble and turmoil. There is sickness and there is death. At times we tend to think that the sum and substance of our lives is what we see on this side of the door. And that is why our heads are drooping and our spirits are fading and our lives are joyless.
God's Word shows the greater reality of our lives. Greater because our earthly life is barely a speck on the time line of our existence. Greater because when we look at this vision in faith, then what's on the other side must and will dominate the harsh reality of what is on this side.
Jesus has dressed us in the white robe of His own righteousness. A robe he purchased for every sinner at the cost of His innocent blood. A robe that we now wear by Spirit-worked faith. So if you look closely enough you can see yourself in that countless multitude. There you are, dear Christian, leaving behind this great tribulation, passing through to other side.
By the power of the saving Word immerse yourself in the blessed reality: "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes!" Look homeward, dear Christ-believer, and the Spirit of God will stamp your heart and life with great joy!
