A Revelation from the Lord

 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. ~Revelations 3:11

In full transparency, even though a passage from the book of Revelation is read in my hearing every Sunday, it has not typically been one of the books that I study.  When I was younger in age and in faith, I feared it.  For me, the last book in the Bible symbolized finality, the end of things that I knew and held close.  However, as I have grown older and matured in my walk with the Lord, I have come to understand that Revelation is not just about the end, but the beginning.  

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”- Revelation 21:1-5

In Revelation, He reveals His majesty and power to us.  He shows us a glimpse of heaven and allows us to visualize what it will be like once the cares of this world have ended and a life of eternity with Him begins and His Kingdom reigning and ruling on earth as it in heaven (Mathew 6:10). 

It is a book of sacred communication of God to us, a message of hope.  He is treating us as friends and making things known us (John 15:15). He is speaking to us, correcting us and encouraging us to hold on.  Yet, in order to hear, we must have hearts that are opened to His Spirit.  There is a crown for us, one that He has given us, but we must hold on (Revelation 3:11) 

He tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”.   It is hard to hear a rebuke, it feels uncomfortable.  But we must remember that the rebuke is not rejection from God, but rather chastisement because He loves us.  He wants us to share in His holiness and so that we can produce and enjoy the fruits of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:5-11).  

The Lord has been calling me to the letters to the Churches in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 and given me a word for the Church that I can’t let go of. It is a message for me and for those whom He has ordained to receive it. 

Lord, let it not be my words, but Yours alone.   Empty me and fill me with your Spirit for I am only a vessel an instrument to be used for your glory.  May it blessing and received in love.  In Jesus name. Amen

For many months I have been wrestling with God.  It’s been a difficult season, but in this period of trials and tribulations He has told me consistently three things.

1.     Remember your first love ( Revelation 2:4)

2.     Strengthen what remains ( Revelation 3:2)

3.     Hold on to what you have ( Relations 3:11) 

Remember your first love.  Think about that moment when the light bulb came on and you realized the love of God.  Think, for a moment, about the joy you had in knowing that you were His and He was yours. In the beginning you soaked Him up.  He was a center of your worship and not the things you did or deeds you performed.  Yes we are co-workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9) by His grace.  God knows the works that we have done, but He desires our devotion not just busyness.  He wants our worship; to acknowledge that He is worthy of all the honor glory and praise. We must take it back to the beginning where it was Him on a Cross for You and me and empty tomb declaring victory from the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). That’s love! 

Then we must wake up and strengthen what we remains.  We have been working for a long time, so long that it had becomes a routine. If we are not careful what we think is worship has turned into religion.  A check list of things to do. Read my Bible, check! Pray, check!  Go to church, check! Tithe, check!   Give to the needy, check! A lot of doing and a lot of checks, but are we living for God?  Are we really alive in Christ?  Have our hearts been moved?  Is there an urgency to continue to grow in the Lord or have we just become complacent? Are we walking around like this is all there is, as if we do some work once and we’re good?

God says different.  He says “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”  That means there is more to be done and we cannot do it in our own strength.  We must have His Spirit!   That is where our power comes.  That is where we will effective in whatever ministry He has called us to.

Acts 1:8 -But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Finally, we must hold on to what we have.  This is very personal for me, all of it is.  But it is especially important to agree with and encourage all who are tired and weary with a word from the Lord.  He sees you!

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name! Revelation 3:8

It feels so good to know that God sees me.  To know that my labor is not in vain.  He sees us, pressing our way through with the strength that we have.  Sometimes you don’t think you have any at all, but His word tells us that He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the week ( Isaiah 40:29).  

You are faithful and He is true so keep holding on to the author and finisher of your faith. Don’t let anyone take the crown that has given to you.  God has opened the door for you and no man can shut it. No disease, nor sickness, circumstance, situation can shut.  No one weapon formed against you shall prosper in the name of Jesus.  You will walk in victory.  You will be dressed in white and your name written by the One who holds the pen.  

Let this revelation sink in.  Remember the love of God.  Keep Jesus at the center and lifted high in your life.  Keep moving in the Lord from glory to glory.  Don’t become complacent, there is a work to be done.  And don’t give up.  You are loved and known.  Hold on to what you have and do not let anyone take your crown.  In Jesus name. Amen