May 19: THE VOICE OF THE LORD
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. Revelation 4:1-2
The cosmic conflict between good and evil becomes more evident by the day. Satan has confused people—even those endeavoring to know God—about the most basic elements of God’s truth such as creation, obedience, death, marriage, gender, diet, and the Sabbath. These seven aspects of reality, all under heavy attack, are introduced in the first two chapters of Genesis. This last book, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, has provided comfort, hope, and courage to every generation of Christians as they have looked toward the culmination of salvation. Hear the Lord Jesus: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
It is a fact that sincere followers of Christ experience, to one degree or another, rejection, persecution, or both. But know that our God is active and in control. The pinpoint accuracy of His prophetic word is a peculiar comfort in the heat of battle. To see Jesus revealed as our risen Savior is confirmation that He is to be trusted even as the most intense segment of the great controversy is about to play out before our eyes. Revelation’s central message, properly understood, motivates readers to live proactive, positive, virtuous, hope-filled lives regardless of negative behaviors displayed on the earth as it is now in its fallen state.
Initially, John saw Jesus in the midst of the seven lampstands (Revelation 1:13), caring for the churches, objects of His great affection. From this earthly setting, Jesus instructs John to write. By the end of the last letter to the churches, the promise of Jesus, “to sit with Me on My throne” (3:21), is followed by John being taken in vision to view this throne in the heavenly temple.
Although human eyes do not see it, there is an active and direct connection between heaven and earth. Heaven is a place of activity, preparation, and intercession on behalf of God’s people on earth. The voice…like a trumpet (1:10, 4:1), is the voice of Jesus! Trumpets often symbolize a call to war, and the last days of earth’s history will soon culminate in the final battle. Satan is waging a war for our minds and our loyalty. Never forget that the voice of the Lord is the power behind creation’s very existence. This voice can raise the dead and reveal the future. And, as Martin Luther wrote regarding the Lord’s voice and our archenemy’s end, “One little word shall fell him!”
“And now, I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” John 14:29