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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 8 December 2023:
Habakkuk 3:17-18 – Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls–Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
From Henry T. Blackaby — “At times it seems that everything around you is collapsing. Endeavors you invested in may fail. People to whom you minister may disappoint you. The business or career you worked hard to build may crumble. These times, as difficult as they are, are opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important to you. Habakkuk witnessed the collapse of most of what mattered to him. Yet through the loss, failure, and disappointment, he was able to distinguish between what was precious to him and what was transitory and empty. He came to the point where he could sincerely say that even if everything around him failed, he still would rejoice in God. If the fig tree bore no fruit; if the vine produced no grapes; if the flocks and herds stopped reproducing; he would still praise God. His praise might not come easily, as he watched everything fall short of his expectations, but he would praise God nonetheless. Habakkuk could not make fig trees produce figs. He could not control the productivity of the flocks and herds, but he could control his own response to God. He chose to praise the Lord. Do things seem to be falling apart around you? You can still praise God. Your praise for Him does not depend on the success of your endeavors but on God’s nature and His love and faithfulness to you. Ask God to help you look past worldly concerns to understand the reasons you have to praise Him.”
Revelation 7:14 — These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
A great multitude of believers, “more than can be numbered, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” do not escape the great tribulation.
From Ligonier Ministries – “John sees an innumerable multitude of believers from every tribe and tongue worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9–12), but more must be said about their identity. Thus, in Revelation 7:13–15, the company of worshipers is further described. This happens through an interchange in which one of the twenty-four elders asks John to tell him who these worshipers are. John responds that the elder knows, and then the elder goes on to tell John explicitly about the great multitude. Before we look at the elder’s description, let us note that this kind of question and answer session is relatively common in Jewish literature of the time. In fact, the device goes as far back in Jewish history to at least the prophet Ezekiel in sixth century BC. Ezekiel 37 features the Lord asking the prophet a question that He already knows the answer to, which Ezekiel acknowledges. Similarly, in Revelation 7:13–15, the elder asks a question of John but does not really expect an answer. He knows who the multitude is.
The innumerable multitude of verses 9–17 consists of believers from every tribe and tongue, but these are believers who have come through the “great tribulation” and have washed their clothes white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). This multitude, in fact, consists of those who have been persecuted for their faith. Daniel 12:1 predicts a period of great trouble for God’s people before the final judgment, so this is likely what is in view here. Before the consummation of all things, there must be a period of suffering, and those who come through it without abandoning their trust in God through Christ make up the worshiping multitude. This is the church triumphant, the believers who have remained true to Jesus and have passed on to glory. Most likely, individuals who have been martyred for their faith are particularly in view here, but all those who die in faith, even if they have not been killed for trusting in Jesus, will participate in this multitude.
Again in the book of Revelation, we have assurance that God will not overlook our suffering for the sake of Christ. We may have to die in order to stay faithful to Jesus, but those who persevere will be clothed with robes washed in the blood of Christ. They will be vindicated before the whole world on judgment day as the true people of God. Moreover, they will lack nothing. Any deprivation suffered for the sake of Jesus in this world will be more than made up for in the world to come (Rev. 7:15–17).
In this world we must endure much pain and sadness. We may even lose everything for Christ. But it will all be worth it. Do we really believe this? So often, we find ourselves becoming too attached to our possessions, fearing their loss. Yet while we should enjoy the good gifts that God gives us in this world, we must hold on to them loosely lest they become idols. Remembering that the best is yet to come for us will help us do just that.”
Revelation 7:15 — Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
In a sense, Heaven on earth is experienced being in the presence of God now, serving God in His presence day and night (see John 17). Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) Eternal life begins the day you accept Jesus as your Savior and grow to know Him more and more each day for eternity.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 8 December 2023: Praise God today!
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 