Revelation 21.1-8

John wanted his readers to lay hold of the hope for which they had been saved, that even in the midst of suffering the afflictions and persecutions of this present darkness, this present evil age, they could be encouraged that they would one day be rescued and vindicated by the sudden appearance of Jesus, whose coming would destroy the powers of evil. Throughout the New Testament the message is clear: this future hope should impact our lives today…our behavior and devotion to Jesus. So John writes Revelation to encourage us as believers to persevere in the present because of the coming victory of God through Jesus Christ in His Second Advent…don’t give up, don’t give in, Jesus wins!

Looking at this glorious picture of God’s victorious reign reminds us of His amazing love for us. The lengths that He has gone to so that we might be reconciled to Him, that we might become His sons and daughters are nothing short of incredible. From the first few chapters of Genesis, He’s been relentlessly pursuing us. It started with a promise…Genesis 3.15. One day He would send the Head-crushing Seed of the woman to rescue us from the sin and death caused by our rebellion against Him and provide a way back to the garden. That promise was fulfilled in the Person of His Son Jesus in His First Advent, who lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death, was raised the third day, and ascended to the throne of God. By believing in Him the Bible tells us that we have eternal life. To those who thirst…the water of life without cost. The retirement package is chill…paradise with Him forever.

Now we wait with anticipation His return…not as the sacrificial Lamb, but as the conquering Lion, not as the Baby in a manger, but the fierce Warrior-King on a white horse.

But today is the day. John’s encouragement to believers is also a warning to those who are not following Him. Judgment is certain. Jesus is coming back. The consequences are final. There will be no escape. No watching from the sidelines. You are either for Him or against Him. My prayer is that you are thirsty today…I love that His relentless pursuit continues till the end. The offer stands open, to drink from the springs of the water of life without cost.

So don’t give up because following Jesus is sometimes hard. Don’t give in to the culture around you. Why? Because Jesus wins! Amen, come Lord Jesus!

Until next time…stay salty.

This post is based on our Genesis series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on twitter: @ccclancaster