Daily Reading: Revelation 17
Scripture Focus: They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17.14)
Devotional Thought: Coexist! I've read that many times on bumper stickers, and I appreciate its sentiment. But, are there not some things that by their very nature cannot exist together? Where there is light, darkness must flee. Where there is contamination, purity is compromised. Where there is truth, deception cannot survive. Where there is war, peace is gone. Where there is love, hatred has no home. We can cover the world with bumper stickers, but the fact remains that some things are mutually exclusive.
In today's verse, there are three distinct groups or individuals:
· The Lamb. Jesus is the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world. But, he has overcome the world. By defeating the despair of death and conquering the darkness of the grave, Jesus has won over all that is an enemy of life and light. The Lamb will conquer, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings!
· Those with the Lamb. Jesus is not the sole Victor. He brings with him those who trust in him. At the end of all things, we are victorious because we are called, chosen and faithful!
· Those against the Lamb. Rallied by powerful God-haters and truth-deniers, there will be those who make war on the Lamb. In the words of that ancient hymn: “Lo their doom is sure. One little word shall fell them.”
A Mighty Fortress is our God! Jesus said that those who are not with him are against him. There is no neutral ground and there is no default position. Are you with or against him?
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, O King of kings and Lord of lords, for the victory that you have won. I trust in you. I am with you, Lord! I am for you, Lord! I am in you, Lord! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 109.16-20
16 For he did not remember to show kindness,
but pursued the poor and needy
and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.
17 He loved to curse; let curses come upon him!
He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!
18 He clothed himself with cursing as his coat;
may it soak into his body like water,
like oil into his bones!
19 May it be like a garment that he wraps around him,
like a belt that he puts on every day!
20 May this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord,
of those who speak evil against my life!
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