A Call For Endurance

Revelation 14:1-13

Perhaps the underlying message of the book of Revelation can be found in our reading for today: “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 13:12). Revelation can be confusing at best with its disturbing images and its veiled meanings. Ultimately, though, it is a call for endurance on the part of the saints, for faithful living in troubling times, for firm reliance upon God.

You and I are constantly faced with challenges and choices. Some will lead us toward God’s intentions while others will lead us away from God entirely. John, the author of Revelation, implores us to made good decisions, to trust what God is doing, even (or especially?) in the midst of conflict and upheaval. God is at work, John tells us, and while we may have our doubts now, in the end we will see the victory of our Lord. To all who suffer this day, to all who face uncertainty, to all who struggle with issues of faith, to all who feel lost or lonely, John offers hope in that which is to come. “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints….” John’s is not a call to trust in our own abilities, not an invitation to believe in science or medicine, not a reminder of what the government or society or political parties can accomplish. John’s is a call for faithfulness and trust in God alone. As believers that is our challenge. As God’s people that is our opportunity.

Prayer: Lord give us faith to see that you are at work and to trust in you with all our strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last Words

Jonah 3:1-4:11
Revelation 11:14-19
Luke 11:27-36
The connection between our readings from Luke and Johan is obvious. In Luke Jesus compares and contrasts his ministry to that of the prophet and points to the impact Jonah had on Nineveh as opposed to the response Jesus receives from his own people. But I find a very compelling point of reference between the reading in Jonah and that in Revelation, because in each case God’s word is final.

In fact, the final verses of Jonah come to an abrupt end with God making an emphatic point and leaving the prophet no opportunity to reply (Jonah 4:10-11). That’s the way it is, Jonah, says God, and that’s that. The finality of God’s word in our reading from Revelation is less implied than that in Jonah. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever,” we read (Revelation 11:15). Not only has God put an end to the discussion, God has brought the kingdom to consummation. There are still plenty of visions for John to relate to us, but already we know how the story will end. God will reign “forever and ever” over the “kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah.” From now on this is how it will be. And that’s that.

There is a joke about how American Civil War movies always end the same way. The North wins every time. Of course that’s history, a look back. Revelation is a look ahead, but the effect is the same. No matter how many times we read the Bible it always ends the same way, even if that end is sometime in the future. As with John of Patmos, there are still plenty of visions for us to see, a lot of situations for us to experience, ample opportunities for us to choose between the kingdoms of the world or the kingdom of God. But already we know how the story will end. When creation reaches its “final verse” God will make the last emphatic point and that will be that. It will all be over except for the joy and the peace of God’s endless reign.

Prayer: Almighty God, may our prayers of praise and adoration rise before you as we await the final coming of your kingdom. Guide our feet that we may walk in the paths of righteousness until that day dawns with the light of your glory. Amen.