Day 366

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Scripture

December 31—Revelation 20-22: The Christ Enthroned

Observation

In one sentence John sums up the end of this present world order: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth (with no oceans!), for the present earth and sky had disappeared" (21:1). He then describes the breathtaking splendor of the New Heaven and Earth, God's new order in which "the home of God is now among men, and he will live with them and they will be his people; yes, God himself will be among them" (21:3). Once again, God and his people live in unbroken fellowship—Creator and creation face to face (22:4). Revelation closes with Christ's thrice-repeated promise, "I am coming soon" (22:7, 12, 20) and John's refrain, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (22:20). Yes, come quickly, Lord!

Sadness in the Old, Gladness in the New: Perhaps the saddest words in the entire Old Testament are these: "So the Lord God banished him forever from the Garden of Eden . . . Thus God expelled him" (Genesis 3:23-24). By contrast, some of the gladdest words in the New Testament are found in today's Bible study: "They shall see his face" (Revelation 22:4). Sin drove man from one garden. Grace brings man to an eternal Paradise. Are you ready for that day of gladness and joy?

Application

Tomorrow morning at 12:01 a.m., you may throw away this year's calendar. No doubt it has served you well, but it is virtually worthless now that the year has run its course.

And yet, while the days and weeks of this year may be history, the steps of growth you've taken are your legacy! The priorities you changed . . . the attitudes you improved . . . the handicaps you overcame—none has escaped the notice of your heavenly Father, who sees in secret but rewards openly (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18).

Dwight L. Moody once said, "Behind every great movement of God there is a kneeling figure." Perhaps this new year will see the Lord's return—a theme that dominates the book of Revelation. Or maybe it will see a mighty movement of God—a revival of continent-sweeping proportions in our nation. And perhaps it will happen in part because we are the kneeling figure, praying, "May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Starting today, make every day a day of personal revival . . . until He comes.

Prayer

Father God, we know that if we ask anything in your name you will provide for us. For you hold all good in your hands and that good comes to us through our Lord Jesus Christ, only because of his atoning sacrifice and by asking it in his name. We seek the truth and we want to spread the truth to all to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ to receive everlasting life with him we pray. You said in your Word that you want all to come to Jesus Christ for this Gift of life. You are Truth and your truthfulness—your wisdom, your truth and your goodness—is involved in the engagements of answering prayer. You always keep your promises. May your name be exalted over all the earth for you create us for your glory. We pray and praise and honor and glorify you in Jesus's name! Amen! 








© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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