The Justice of Jesus

Today's reading comes from oneyearbibleonline.com
zechariah 12:1-13:9; revelation 19:1-21; psalm 147:1-20; proverbs 31:1-7

Old Testament:
Zechariah 12:1-13:9

Zechariah speaks of future deliverance for Jerusalem in this section.  Again we see of a promise from the Lord to protect Jerusalem and Judah, with dire consequences to those nations who oppose her (12:2-3, 12:8-9).  The Lord preserves the people of Jerusalem to demonstrate His goodness and strength.  Verse 12:5 says, "Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, 'The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God."  God gives strength in order that His strength be put on display.  It's the same with all of His attributes.  He offers favor and exaltation to people in order that their praise would point back to Him.  Narcissistic?  Hardly!  It's a display of compassion and mercy that other people would take notice and be blessed by Him.  The sad reality though is that most do not take notice.  They continue their lives in rebellion.  By "taking notice," I mean an awareness of what God has done in our lives and turning from sin.

In chapter 13, Zechariah describes this repentance that is required in order that they be cleansed from sin and impurity (13:1).  Much of their sin involved idols (13:2).  Isn't it interesting how our culture is consumed with idolatry today?  It's likely not wood statues or carvings that we worship today.  Instead, our hearts gravitate toward things like materialism, status, even security, to name a few.  In order to be delivered like Jerusalem, we too must repent.


The Justice of Jesus
(New Testament: Revelation 19:1-21)

In this section we learn about the second coming of Christ.  Verses 11-21 paint an impressive picture to say the least!  The Lord Jesus will return on a white horse (representing purity).  Christ himself is named Faithful and True, for it will be a time of judgment (19:11).  Lest we think for a nanosecond that He will return as a tender-hearted weakling, the next verses lay that notion to rest.  "His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns" (19:12). "Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down nations" (19:15).  "He will rule them with an iron scepter.  He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty" (19:15).  In other words, when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back, He is going to kick some serious butt!  (Yes, this is a mild understatement and perhaps not the best word choice, but it's true!)

With all that's wrong in the world today, I find it comforting that His justice will ultimately be delivered.  His justice will be on a level that has never been seen before.  It will be perfect.  It will be swift, decisive, and final.  As mentioned, I find this comforting given the present evil in this world.  But it's also a sobering thought for those who have it coming, as it will be inescapable.  No amount of money or position will bring rescue.  Government power will mean nothing, for He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (19:16).

The good news if you have not placed your trust in Jesus is there is still time.  There is time to turn away from sin and toward Jesus.  Don't delay though!  For none of us knows when Judgment will come.

GrantJ

Sobering Reminder of Judgment

Today's reading from oneyearbibleonline.com
zechariah 4:1-5:11; revelation 14:1-20; psalm 142:1-7; proverbs 30:21-23

From Revelation 14:14-20
Today's reading in Revelation includes strong and vivid imagery of judgment.  Two drastically different groups of people are described.  The first group mentioned is gathered by Christ.  It is clear this is Jesus in verse 14, "...sitting on the cloud was like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand." This particular gathering of people is referred to "the harvest of the earth" which is ripe (v15).  It is safe to conclude these are believers who have put their trust in Christ.

A stark contrast describes the gathering of the second group.  Imagery of fire, bloodshed, and the wrath of God is presented in a sobering manner (vv 17-20).  It's a horrible reminder of the impending judgment that awaits those who reject the Son of God.

Observations:
A few items stand out to me.  First, the profound distinction between the two groups that are gathered.  There is no mention of a third group in the "wishy-washy" middle.  It's either all or nothing.  So true.  Either we trust in Jesus for our complete salvation or we put our hope in our own good merit.  -The latter, of course, is the path to destruction.

Second, the tool used to gather is a sharp sickle.  If you've ever used a sickle, you know that one swipe of the blade delivers an efficient "swoosh" through the grass.  While it's one thing to use a sickle out in the field, it's entirely different and gruesome to think of as a gathering device for people.  (To me, it conjures up a scene out of a horror movie!)  This serious nature of judgment and finality does not go unnoticed in these verses.

Finally, the last observation is that Christ is the one who gathers the harvest to heaven while an angel "who has power over fire" is in charge of the second group.  Personally, I find comfort in this verse knowing that Christ will be there in the end.

Takeaway:
I don't believe it's helpful or productive to "scare people" to Christ.  (I believe we are to respond out of sincere love and gratefulness upon hearing of His great sacrifice for us).   However, I do see the immense value in this portion of Scripture to get our attention.  The intense imagery is like a splash of cold water on our face.  It should wake us up to the fact that there is a definite judgment coming.  It should be sobering and heart-wrenching to think that non-believers will be "thrown into the great wine press of the wrath of God" (v19).  The question: is this a heart-wrenching thought for us?

GrantJ

Peace Comes from Obedience

Peace Comes from Obedience

Today's reading from oneyearbible.com
zechariah 2:1-3:10; revelation 13:1-18; psalm 141:1-10; proverbs 30:18-20

Zechariah 2:1-3:10 

In today's reading, the exiles are being called home by the Lord to their land of origin in Jerusalem (2:6-7).  They are promised safety within the city (2:5) and to live in the presence of the Lord (2:10).  Sadly, only a remnant decide to return (50,000 out of several hundred thousand).  Ellen Gould White writes in The Story of Prophets and Kings, "The great majority of Israelites had chosen to remain in the land of their exile rather than undergo the hardships of the return journey and the re-establishment of their desolated cities and homes."

I wonder how often we refuse the Lord's invitation due to the arduous nature of the work that lie ahead?  In this case, the Israelites think they will be happier and better off staying in Babylon.  (Bear in mind Babylon represents a life of slavery).  Indeed, for those who returned home there was great difficulty, persecution, and even death that lie ahead.  Nonetheless, the Lord had called them.  Those who stayed behind in Babylon were in disobedience.

The only truly satisfying and safe place is the one in which God calls us.  Even at the risk of death, obedience to God's call is His will for us.  A life in pursuit of His call is the only guarantee of joy and purpose.  Sure, we may choose to neglect it or suppress it for a season, but a true call from the Lord never completely goes away.  And until we respond in obedience we will never have true peace.

GrantJ

Who cares what they think!

I wonder how many of us are held back in our walk with the Lord by what we think others will think of us. There's a song by the Newsboys that speaks to this called, "Jesus Freak."  Will people think I'm some Jesus freak?  What is a 'Jesus freak' anyway?  Someone who's gone off the deep end for Jesus?  -Sounds like someone with firm convictions to me.

For others of us, we're concerned that we'll be viewed as a teetotaler or goody two shoes for following Jesus.  Who cares!  The truth is that having Jesus in your life is the fullest, most abundant life possible.  It is far from the perception of being hokey or lame.

You see, once we overcome this thing called "perception" we are on our way to true freedom.  Who really cares what people think!  People's perceptions are not reality.  There's a big difference.

Let's stop letting a perception (mine, yours, or someone else's) stand in the way of our devotion to Jesus Christ - the Author of truth.

Grant