Revelation 21:1-27
Friday, 24 March 2023
“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
Revelation 21:7
The consummation of the heavenly vision brings to our focus the great immeasurable and unfathomable riches that is in store for us. God the Father has kept everything in heaven for those who qualify for it. The very word that should ring in our ears is – “OVERCOMER!”
Let us remember that we are in a battle for our life on a daily basis. Every true Christian, who has this new life in Christ knows about these inner struggles, pressures and temptations that come across his/her life. Initially it is not recognized but later it all wells up and the battle rages in all its true nature. There is only one way out— that is the way of victory. Only through this narrow gate can we come forth victoriously from this battle. Retreat from the battle is not an option because God's word says-(Rev. 21:8): But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." So it is inevitable for us to stand in the fight and win this battle.
In order to win this battle we need to know our enemies.
1. Satan and his army: is always plotting ways to destroy us and our eternal inheritance. He uses all kinds of tactics and forces in order to stop our progress in Christian life. It is life-threatening situations either spiritually or physically. But God, who takes care of us, keeps us from all harm. (Remind yourself with Psalm 91). Also remember Apostle Paul’s admonitions regarding this battle. Eph. 6:10-12: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2. The Old Self— Flesh: The greatest enemy is within, not outside. Many a time we are unaware about its ways and tactics. He is the real foe who makes every given chance as an opportunity to defeat us. Understand the enemies living under one’s roof. We need to be careful to keep this enemy within the boundaries set by the Lord Himself. The very place given by the Lord for this subtle enemy of ours, is on the Cross. (Gal. 5:24): And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. So let us keep our self in check.
3. The World: The world around us is constantly displaying to us all its passing colors, to sidetrack and to put a stop to our eternal goal. This is the vanity that goes around us- round the clock! It plays its fine tunes to lure us and if we are resistant to this, then the world turns wild against us. It will use cruel and physical and mental torture against us. Only those soaked in God’s love and His Word can withstand this onslaught. Only the Eternal hope we have is the answer to win this battle. Let us cling to the cross and allow all its effects to work in us, so that we can overcome the world. (Gal. 6:14): But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Prayer: Abba Father, help me to be an overcomer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.