DON’T BE SCARED
Daphne Powell
Today's Scripture: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” Revelation 1:1a, ES
Theme: The Revelation was given so that we can be prepared, not scared, and know that our God overcomes.
SATAN DEFEATED
When you first read the Revelation, the imagery and prophecy seem overwhelming to the average human. There are things coming that we have never seen or even imagined. Yet we should not be scared but uplifted. Our Lord and Savior defeats Satan. In fact, the Revelation shows us that we should not fear Satan even now. He does not have authority over God, so that means he also does not have authority over God’s children. Therefore, reading Revelation 20:7-10 (see below) should confirm why we can stand strong and be prepared for Jesus’ arrival.
NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH
What a wonderful place God has prepared for us. Not only does He tell us about the beauty of heaven, but He tells us about the newness of ourselves: no more sickness, sadness, need, hate, envy, all gone and replaced with peace and joy for eternity. What would scare you about this? Reading Revelation prepares us to be ready for His love for us, that He has prepared a place for us.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
If you open your medicine cabinet, it’s filled with band aids, Tylenol, vitamins, and cold medicine. If you open the trunk of your car, you may have a spare tire and jumper cables. If you knew the rapture was tomorrow, are you prepared? If you are scared, maybe that is due to a lack of preparedness. Every day, God wakes us up and we get another opportunity to prepare for Jesus. Because Revelation 22:6-21 tells us we can know He Is coming!
Make It Personal: As a young Jesus follower, I was so scared of the Book of Revelation. But after doing a study in my Life Group, reading it during my quiet time, and having conversations with the Lord, it became less scary and more uplifting to know that the Lord loved me and has prepared an eternal home for me. As a person currently battling cancer, I can tell you firsthand that a new sickness-free body is something I’m anticipating.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for preparing a new heaven and earth for me. Thank You for giving us Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your truth so that we are prepared--not afraid-- and reassured by Your promises. Amen
Read: Revelation 20:7-10; Revelation 21, 22
Weekly Memory Verse: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21, ESV