Silence in Heaven

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 8 and 9 (day one)

“And when He broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half of an hour.”–8:1.

In previous visions, the vast expanse of Heaven is FILLED with sound.  Thunder.  Voices.  Commands.  Singing.  Shouts of worship.

Suddenly, without warning, as the Lamb breaks the seventh seal on the scroll, Heaven falls silent!  Profoundly silent.  “Could have heard a pin drop”.

There is nothing left to say.   That’s what the silence means.  Jesus quotes Abraham, “if they will not believe Moses and the prophets, they will not believe even if a man should rise from the dead.”–Luke 16:31.  True.  Sadly.   The silence of God reminds men that we have been adequately warned!  “What more can He say than to you he hath said?” says the familiar hymn.

The silence also symbolizes patience.  Restraint. The seal is broken. The inevitable end is near.  Again, Heaven pauses. Still willing for men to be saved.

Branded

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day seven)

Know what a “Running W” is?  It’s the brand of the King Ranch–the largest ranch in Texas.  Since the 1800’s, it’s been the symbol burned on the hide of cattle to mark them as belonging to and therefore protected by the King family.

In Revelation 7, as judgement begins, God pauses.  A great angel stands and restrains the violent destructive winds.  He commands that the  bond-servants of God be marked or sealed or “branded”.  Ouch!  (And Hurray!)

Like the vision in Ezekiel 9.  Like the homes marked with blood on the first Passover, God keeps careful count of the people who belong to Him.  Even in a time of judgement, He watches over them.  Marks them, sets them apart for different treatment.

“God’s solid foundation stands, SEALED with this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are His’ and ‘Let everyone who confesses the Name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.’ “–2 Timothy 2:19

 

Contrasts

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day six)

There is an amazing contrast between the voices in chapter 5 and chapter 6. The outcries of the martyrs, and the praises of the saints, both are the center pieces of each chapter. The martyrs inquire of God, “when?” The saints declare His praises. Together they summarize the message of Revelation, both the longing for God to complete His work of Salvation and the certainty of it.

Not only are these voices a summary, but also they model for us how we are to live this side of eternity. We pray and we praise; asking Jesus to come quickly, while also praising Him for the certainty of our salvation.

Washed Robes

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day four)

Reading chapter 7, you come away with a feeling of protection…shelter…tabernacle …provision.  This is the antithesis of the feeling of judgment you get when the seals are broken.  The difference is the target group.  Chapter 7 deals with the people who have a relationship with God through the blood of the Lamb.  The seal of protection is applied to God’s bond-servants…those who have been washed from their sin encircle the throne …springs of the water of life flow and God will wipe away their tears.

Protection and provision sound immensely better than wars and pestilence and death.  How can we be sure that we are in the right group?  It is the relationship with the Lamb…Jesus Christ!  No wonder heaven celebrated that the Lamb was worthy to break the seals.  Jesus is the only name given under heaven that can bring salvation.  (Acts 4:12) Many have looked to others, but only the Lamb is worthy.  Only the Lamb can give protection…shelter…tabernacle…provision.  Eternity is a long time, choose wisely!

Door

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day three)

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne.”  Man’s exclusivity is unremarkable: Who among us hasn’t quietly delighted in someone’s outsider status?  God’s inclusivity is the newsworthy item here: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  But the wideness in God’s mercy is not unaffected by our door-closing habits. So he takes to task those of us who set up barriers that invite men to become “twice as much of a son of hell” as we would be.  Are you, then, a road-blocker or a path-clearer? How many in that innumerable multitude will stand there despite your efforts?

No Tears

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day two)

“…and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” vs. 17b

What was it about having your mom or dad kiss your boo-boo that made it better? Did it change the nature of the injury or the circumstances that caused it? No it did not. Did it give you a sense of comfort to know that you had shared your pain with someone you loved, and who you knew loved you? Absolutely. Consider for a moment the story of the prodigal son. When he came back home, even when he was far off his father ran to him. He didn’t wait for him to come groveling. The price had been paid, the deed was done, and now it was time to celebrate redemption. God cares for each of us enough to run to us, and wipe away each of our tears. Is there a more tender picture of our great God than that? The deed is done, time to rest and fill ourselves with the Redeemer.

Washed white

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 7 (day one)

“These. . . have come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”–v 13-14.

It is not unusual for me to use my difficulties as an excuse for spiritual or moral failure.  I had a rough day.  I am frustrated.  The implied argument? I not responsible for being grumpy or ungrateful or unfaithful.  Sound familiar?

The narrative of scripture allows no such escape or excuse.  All believers ( in every age) have had tribulations to face and conquer.  “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”–Acts 14:22.  The cross I carry is not unique and mild compared to that of others.

Struggle is not the story!  Christ is!  He is worthy to RECEIVE, receive from me, and no level of difficulty can ever change the fact that my robe, my actions, my ambitions, my choices must be washed white in His blood.

 

Harder than I expected

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day seven)

I am a wimp.  Pain-complaining, excuse-making, comfort-seeking.  At least, I was until I met Jesus.

For forty years, like a marine drill instructor, the Lord has been toughening me.  Training me to accept a threshold of pain that is higher than I would have ever expected of myself.

I whine and expect pity.  I make MUCH of my burdens.  HE calls them “temporary and light afflictions”–2 Corinthians 4:17.

I’ve come to see that He is right.  My burdens ARE light compared to the dangers ahead for the ungodly. (Revelation 6) His call to holiness is hard, but ultimately a great mercy.  My burdens ARE light compared to those that other Christians carry. (1 Peter 4:12).  My burdens ARE light compared to the glory that will be revealed.

“Godliness is profitable. . . since it holds promise for the present life and ALSO FOR THE LIFE TO COME.”–1 Timothy 4:8

Following Christ has been harder than I expected.  And better.

Forest

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day six)

It can be hard to see the forest from the trees, but it is a necessary endeavor, especially in Revelation. There are so many curiosities in Revelation, it is easy to get stuck amongst the tree limbs trying to figure out every detail, of which we will never fully understand this side of eternity. For instance, do the riders in chapter six have names, are they real entities? Could be I suppose; maybe, maybe not. We can get so intrigued or caught in the trees that we lose sight of the fuller picture, the forest. In this case Jesus reveals to us that judgement is not only coming, but it is an important part of completing his saving work in all creation, so much so, the martyrs ache for it to come to pass.

Do you see it? The trees are important for sure, and worthwhile to study, but not at the expense of seeing the forest.

Truth Teller

Re:Verse reading–Revelation 6 (day five) 

Revelation 6 is almost unbelievable: all kinds of symbols and predictions of judgment and the wrath of God. How can we trust that the Lord is telling us the truth? Answer: Because, He has proven to always be truthful and trustworthy. Even in the hard and disturbing things, God’s nature and character is to tell the truth. Look at the life and teachings of Jesus. (John 14) In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; (John 16) I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone… In the world you will have tribulation,

Praise God!! He has proven to be a truth teller in revealing both the beautiful and difficult parts of His plan for mankind.  Do you believe that?