Adventure Day 15 - 3/8/09

Part of John the Apostle's vision [Read Revelation 7:9-17] was the sight of an innumerable number of people of ethnic and geographic diversity surrounding the throne of God, praising him along with the angels and other heavenly beings. John is told these humans are "...ones who have come out of the Great Tribulation, (v.14)", or in other words, they are martyrs. Some Bible teachers see these verses referring to the one great final period of suffering prior to Christ's Return, while others take this to represent the sufferings of the Church throughout all history. However you understand it, the truth is that being a loyal Christ follower can be dangerous.

Chapter 13 of Revelation forecasts a time when everywhere throughout the world there will be persecution of all those who refuse to worship "the beast." The picture John paints for us shows Satan giving a future superpower/empire "...power to make war against the saints and to conquer them (Rev. 13:7)." Ironically, where the martyrdom of believers seems to be the defeat of Christ's cause, in reality the martyrs' death-defying faithfulness conquers Satan and his power. One of the most inspiring verses in all of Revelation is Chapter 12:11..."They have conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."

My sermon today has presented Revelation 13 as a warning about a future worldwide persecution of Christians (v. 7,15,17). This may or may not unfold in our lifetime (although we are told more Christians are being persecuted in our era than any other in the history of the Church; just not in America....yet). So, what will we do with this "heads up" from the Apostle John? This warning can be ignored, or it can be left on our "radar screens" as we see the signs of the end unfold. Is their any allegiance in your life stronger than your loyalty to Christ? I am reminded of the profound words of missionary martyr Jim Elliot...."He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Stay stong...
Pastor Paul