https://esv.literalword.com/?q=revelation+19
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 26 October 2024:
Revelation 19:2 – …for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.
We should pursue truth and justice because God does.
Revelation 19:10 — Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
We must not give honor to others; that belongs only to Jesus. We must not follow others only Jesus. All Christians have equal access to Jesus and all maintain a direct relationship with Him. We need no person to be our intermediary. Regardless of social status or position, no Christian has special rights or special access to God over another. If you are a Christian, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, you have God’s word, and you have the opportunity to draw near to Him in obedience. What you do with what you have been given is up to you, and your relationship with God is between you and God. Other mature Christians should help you in your growth, but they don’t cause your growth. Jesus said, “Follow me,” not “Follow someone else who is following me.” The reality of human nature and human pride has inspired some religious sects to establish human ‘gatekeepers,’ so called religious authorities who claim that they are the entry point to the Father and the administrators of grace. This should never be! Jesus was clear, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Nonetheless, the Bible is also clear that we need to surround ourselves with other dedicated, Spirit-filled, biblically astute disciples of Christ who will encourage us, hold us accountable, and partner with us in spiritual growth. While we all have access to the Holy Spirit, some will be more in mature in their faith than you and will serve as important teachers and role models in your life. However, no one is ever perfect, and everyone risks getting out of step with the Spirit, quenching the Sprit, grieving the Spirit, or offending the Spirit on any giving day, rendering others more fit for the moment to discern and apply God’s will. We all sin and need God’s grace of forgiveness as well as God’s grace of fellowship with other believers who help us in times of weakness as we should be doing for them.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 26 October 2024: Today, be refreshed by the living water of the Holy Spirit, and help the thirsty around you find living water by sharing the Gospel.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 