The Praise of the Persecuted
I arrived in Atlanta over an hour later than expected. So, I slept in later than I planned this morning. Carter was excited to have me here, so he stayed home from Vacation Bible School so we could play the NBA video game.
We did go the swimming pool this afternoon. Mckenzie has taken lessons since the last time I was here so she is getting used to the water and learning to swim. Not too bad for two! I was able to try out the goggles and swim trunks, hat and shirts Stephanie got me for Father’s Day.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “….These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution…. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, because the Lamb, who is in the centre of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:14-17 GNB)
The Bible is clear that God’s judgment will one day come to the earth and all who have rebelled against The Lord. The events are recorded and sealed. Seven seals guard the contents. They stand ready to be opened; but not just anyone can do so. There is only One who is worthy. He is described as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He is none other than our crucified, resurected and glorified Savior, Jesus Christ.
As John sees and records the events the breaking of the “Seven Seals” themselves triggers. These are events of great magnitude. It is as it were, “the beginning of the end.”
When the Sixth Seal is opened we see a multitude of mrytrs. They are not those in rags, with forlorgned looks on their faces. They are from all the peoples of the earth, dressed in white, praising and worshipping The Lord.
” They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9, 10 GNB)
In God’s “upside down kingdom” those who are persecuted, despised, tested and found true are the ones who are exalted. In the eyes of earth they may be viewed as defeated, but not in God’s eyes. As Jesus addresses the seven Churches, we see these words of promise:
“Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white….In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.” (Revelation 3:5 GNB)
“I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it….” (Revelation 3:12)
“To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority that I received from my Father…I will also give them the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28 GNB)
There is a day when suffering comes to an end and The Lord says, “enough.” The Lord brings a great reversal for these faithful Ones. Their response is one of praise before The Lord. The praise of these faithful Ones is followed by the angels, twenty-four elders and four-living creatures that are before God’s throne. So, I picture this multitude not just in joining, but leading the praise before God’s throne.
These faithful Ones experienced persecution, tribulation, and trials of all kinds…for a time. But they are protected and provided for by The Lord for all eternity.
Paul said, “And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 GNB)
As I make progress in my long road to full recovery, I am surprised how some trying and challenging days of the past have faded in light of the present. I think, if that is the case with a journey through illness, how much greater the glories of eternity in light of any troubles that come to this life.
And the important thing to remember, we don’t have hold our praise for “that day.” We can offer an “overcomers” praise to The Lord each day.