Tuesday, December 19
No matter what
Scripture: Revelation 14
Revelation 14:12 This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus.
Observation
As God’s final judgment begins, John reminds his readers of the need for steadfast endurance (GK hupomone, literally, “to remain under,” that is, to be steadfast in the midst of hardship). Stay true…no matter what.
He defines the saints as “those who obey (or keep) God’s commands and hold to (or keep) their faith in Jesus.” Christians are those who trust Jesus and do what He says.
Application
Hudson Taylor, the famous 19th century missionary to China, wrote, “It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies — whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart.”
Life is hard. And Revelation indicates it will get harder before the end. “This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints.” We must cling to Jesus and let the pressure push us closer…no matter what.
I’ve seen too many people lose their faith in hardship. Jesus warned about this in the parable of the soils.
Matthew 13:20–21 The seed sown on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 But he has no root in himself and does not endure; when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.
Let’s be those who have deep roots, who press in to Jesus ever closer, who trust Him and do what He says…no matter what.
Prayer: Lord, give me steadfast endurance. Let nothing come between us and push us apart. Instead, use every situation to deepen my faith.
More: Nahum 1-3, Psalm 146, John 9