Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Patience

Revelations 22: 1-7

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” – Revelations 22:7

Our passage today ends with a challenge.  Jesus says, “See I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”  Very often we as Christians get distracted by trying to figure out what Jesus means by “soon.” But that’s missing the point. Jesus has already told us that it is not for us to know the times or the seasons that the Father has set by his own authority.

The point is the second half of the statement “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”  Blessed is the one who stays faithful, even when there are reasons to give up. Blessed is the one who keeps praying and working, even though it looks like God has forgotten about us. Blessed is the one is a witness of Christ’s presence and power and love, and gives others the courage and the hope to hang on in the midst of the anarchy and confusion.

The Book of Revelation is not meant to predict the future, but rather to give us courage for the present. Revelation tells us how the story will end. And so we know which team will win. We know that victory already belongs to God. And so we can live with confidence, and with courage, and with love, as witnesses for Christ, as we wait for God’s promise to be fulfilled. May His name be praised!


 Prayer: Father, we pray that you enable each of us to wait patiently and keep prayer a vital component in each of our lives. Amen
Thought for the Day: "You knew my name and You called it - long before I learned to breathe - How can I further Your kingdom - when I'm so wrapped up in mine - In a Blink of an eye - that is when - I'll be closer to You than I've ever been - Time will fly, but until then - I'll embrace every moment I'm given - there's a reason I'm alive for a blink of an eye.”

Sean George, Hermon Mar Thoma Church, Atlanta.


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