Be faithful,
even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).
Revelation is a message to first century Christians facing
dire persecution. Things are bad and are going to get worse before they get
better. Nowhere does God tell those who are his that they will avoid suffering.
Rather, they are warned that suffering is unavoidable, and may even lead to
death.
But in Luke, Jesus tells the crowds, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
and after that can do no more. (12:4) And in Revelation: I am the Living One; I was dead, and now
look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades
(1:18).
In other words, death isn’t final. Sure, the enemy is a thief
who comes only to steal and kill
and destroy (John 10:10), but even if things go that wrong, there’s
still hope. Christ reminds us that he and not Satan holds the keys to death and
hell. And if Jesus was
dead, but is now alive forever and ever, then may we find assurance that even
in death, death doesn’t get the final word. Death is the worst the devil can do
to us, but not even death can separate us from our Savior.
Though being a Christian may not put your life at risk (count your
blessings), your faith is still under attack, sometimes in such subtle ways
that you may not even recognize it.
Will you be faithful this week?
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Thank God for those who
suffer for their faith. Pray for them to stay strong. Ask God’s help to remain
faithful no matter what the enemy throws at you.
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