A few weeks ago we had a Valentine’s Day party at our house – toddlers ran wild, crafts were crafted, and an inordinate amount of sugar was consumed by all.
The day before the party I was hanging decorations while all three kids napped (a rare occurrence these days!) and so I got to do my review without interruptions. I started with Revelation 8 and 9. It was so very incongruous to be festooning my living room with pink and red streamers as I recited a passage about the terrors of the last days. Here’s one passage:
“[The locusts] were not permitted to kill them but were to torment them for five months; their torment is like the torment caused by a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days people will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will flee from them.” – Revelation 9:5-6
But you know what? It was exactly what I needed to hear. I had been stressed about party details. About chocolate covered strawberries and glittery hearts. Hearing those words again brought me face to face with what is eternally important. I have been redeemed and rescued from the just wrath of God against my sin. Anyone who shelters in Christ can be saved. That’s the real reason I love to celebrate anytime there’s an opportunity to do so. And I want everyone I know to be able share in that celebration!
Revelation chapter 6 ends with every type of person – rich, poor, slave, and free – crying for the rocks to hide them from God’s wrath. Refusal to shelter in Him is serious. The day of judgment is a sure thing. He desires everyone to come to Him and be adopted into His family (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Chapter 7 showcases the beautiful reality that He has redeemed people from everywhere on the earth, and the vast multitude of saints ascribe praise to His name and are promised eternal security and perfect intimacy with Him. He will wipe away every tear! That’s promised in chapter 21 as well. It’s a sure thing.
This post is up late because I didn’t really feel like I was qualified to write a post (a rough weekend turned into a rough Monday) and because I didn’t know how to write about these chapters clearly. But I know I can’t go wrong pointing to Jesus’ power to save anyone who repents and believes. And for believers, we can always hear another reminder that our tears here are running on borrowed time.
Be blessed,
Emma
Aforementioned strawberries 😊
Beneficial in Every Way 