March 8: A CONTRAST WITH THE PAST
And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Revelation 21:24
This victorious verse reminds us of the Savior’s worldwide invitation. When God was preparing the children of Israel to exit Egypt, the greater purpose was to reach out to the world with the gospel invitation. God even referred to the nation of Israel as My son (Exodus 4:22-23). They understood themselves to be the servant of YHWH. History demonstrates that the LORD God knew ahead of time the failure of Israel as a nation to carry out the Plan. He ultimately sent His own Son, Jesus, who succeeded in the Plan to overcome the snares of the enemy, making Him the new Israel. Scripture develops the concept of Jesus as the Servant who would lead the charge: Indeed [the LORD] says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
Today’s verse is saying that those who are saved shall walk in [the] light of Christ, the Lamb of God. They shall walk in [that] light because they chose to walk in the light that they were given while they lived on the earth. This is not to say that all of the saved through the ages knew everything there is to know about being Christ’s follower. But, beloved, a willingness to follow that which has been revealed to you personally indicates that your sincere intention is to continue on the path of righteousness as He continues to reveal His will to you. Today there are millions of professed believers who know and understand certain elements of His will that they have no intention of obeying. Danger of dangers! And there are those who know next to nothing who will be in Heaven due to their heart of willingness to obey the little that they understand. Such a heart also desires to know more for the sole purpose of obedience to Him as an expression of love.
The salvation of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, is a marvelous account of the far-reaching power of God’s gospel (see Daniel 4). Today’s statement that the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into [the New Jerusalem] includes world leaders whose eyes will be opened before the return of Jesus. Instead of seeking to secure more power and prestige for themselves, they will turn and humbly set down any honor and all glory directly at the feet of the King of kings. The great and final call to Jesus, as stated in Revelation 14:6-7, is for “the small and the great” and everyone in-between! Our God does not will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9b). His salvation renders even the smallest as kings.*
The Lord sometimes provides us a glimpse of what we would be, were it not for Him. But this is not for the purpose of “resting upon our laurels” but rather to confirm His statement: “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). His gospel continually brings each of us to a point of decision. If indeed your old, sinful life has been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20), you will be delighted by His grace working in you, enabling obedience to His voice with ease and without debate. What a contrast with your past! For…you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:2)
*kings who will reign with Christ: Ezekiel 28:17; Revelation 1:6; 5:9; 7:9