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So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10
I’m convinced a phenomenal pattern is about to unfold. World events aren’t lurching into chaos; they are moving toward culmination and consummation. There’s hope for tomorrow, and there’s hope for you and yours. The cascading flow of crises is merging with the outlines of Bible prophecy, like two mighty rivers crashing into each other and coalescing into an unstoppable flood. For the children of God, this isn’t a flood that will sweep us away. It will lift us up!
- We need this kind of uplifting hope.
Everyone I know seems to have a lot of unexpected stress. Looming over the demanding details of daily life are gathering clouds of worldwide cataclysm. We are living in perilous times. The world has always been in a mess, but not since the days of Noah has our fragile planet faced such imminent and existential dangers as now. The threats — nuclear, economic, technological, philosophical, moral, political, biological, viral, environmental, and a host of others — imperil the earth with calamities of biblical proportions.
- God knows exactly what’s going to happen in the future.
He has already painted the picture, and the history of the world is moving along a preordained route toward its total fulfillment. He knows everything to come, which we could never foresee by our own intuition. In the book of Revelation, God lifts the cloth and shows us His plan for tomorrow.
The last half of the very first verse, which sums up the book in one phrase and serves as its statement of purpose, says:
The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.
The information in Revelation isn’t for the world, which disregards it. It’s for us — for Christ-followers — who value its message and long for our Lord’s appearing. It’s for those who know Jesus as their Savior and who are eager for details about His return. This is information for the saints, for those who realize they are citizens of Heaven traveling through this troubled earth as ambassadors for the King.
Beginning in verse 12, we have the foundational vision of the book — a glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ as He now appears in all His glory. This was the first time John had seen Jesus since the Lord ascended into Heaven sixty or so years before. John now saw Jesus, enthroned, resplendent in glory and his view of Jesus was heart-stopping:
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” — Revelation 1:17–18
Jesus opened His book of revelations to us by telling us on the first page about the two responses we should have:
- don’t be afraid and
- remember Jesus died for us and is now alive — forever!
We don’t know what tomorrow’s headlines will bring, nor can we anticipate what will befall us today or tomorrow. But one reality overrides everything else — Jesus is alive, so we needn’t fear. When He rose from the dead, He overcame every challenge, overthrew every enemy, and overturned every affliction. He stripped away any reason for sleepless nights or fretful days. He set the stage for the righteous consummation of all His intentions and paved the way for the new heaven and new earth.
The Lord told John in Revelation 1:19,
Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.
There, amid all your loneliness and uncertainty, your dearest friend, Jesus, makes a special visit in His resurrected and glorified state, and He tells you, in essence, “Don’t be afraid. Remember, I was dead but I’m now alive — and I’m alive forever. Everything will end as I intend, and My intention is to bless you. Let Me give you the details. I’m going to show you what must soon take place. I will unveil the world of tomorrow. I’m going to fill you with hope for the coming days — for both time and eternity.”
Jesus was speaking not only to John but to us as well. We have the book of Revelation — all twenty-two wonderful chapters — because we need its message in times like these. How sad to have this book but not study it. How sad to study it but not understand it. How sad to understand it but not obey it.
On the other hand, how wonderful to trust its message, look forward to its fulfillment, and prepare for the sensational events about to engulf the world and lead us into eternity!
At that moment when all seems lost and the world is engulfed in total chaos, Jesus Christ will return, put a swift end to the battle, and save His people Israel, both spiritually and politically (Revelation 19). He will reign on earth a thousand years from Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. At the end of this period, the unsaved dead will rise to be judged and condemned (Revelation 20).
And finally, at last, Jesus will be with His people forever in the new Heaven, the new earth, and the city of New Jerusalem, where righteousness dwells — and so shall we be with the Lord forever (Revelation 21–22).
Are you ready for these events? Is your family? Are your loved ones?
The final invitation in the Bible says,
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. — Revelation 22:17
I encourage you with all my heart to come to Jesus today. Take His free gift of eternal blessings and an everlasting inheritance. In prayer, confess your sins and be willing to turn from all that’s evil and unhealthy in your life by God’s grace and with His strength. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your living Savior, and give your life to Him today.
And don’t be afraid of the world tomorrow. God’s grace is aggressive, available, and immeasurable. His plans are outlined in His Word. His love is everlasting, and His truth endures forever. He loves you more than you know, and He is eager to be your Savior and your Sovereign forever.
- We have so much ahead of us — an inheritance unending, a life everlasting! Don’t look around you and be distressed. Look ahead and be blessed!
Hallelujah! Maranatha!
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Respond
Have you given your heart to Jesus? If yes, describe the experience.
If not, talk with someone you know who would share Jesus with you.
Identify those in your circle of family and friends who need to know Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that I don’t need to be afraid of the future. Your sacrifice and Your grace secure my place in eternity.
Watch the Video
Written for Devotionals Daily by Robert J. Morgan, 50 Final Events in World History.
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Your Turn
Are you worried today? If Jesus is your Savior, you don't need to be! Maranatha! Come share your thoughts. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily
