Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 21-22; Revelation 1
Devotional Thought:
The great hope of the church is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because He arose, we know that we too shall rise. The great motivator for the church is the eminent rapture of the church. What will it be like for you the moment you see Jesus face to face? Have you ever really thought about it? Will you look at Him? Will you look away in shame? Some people have a hard time making eye contact with authority figures here on earth. What will it be like to look Jesus Christ, our Savior, in the eye and personally thank Him for the gift of eternal life that He purchased for us with His own blood? John was privileged to get a head start on that day. He came face to face with Jesus Christ and he describes it here in chapter one. Jesus Christ had a long garment that was girt about with the paps of a golden girdle. His hair was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were as a flame of fire. I believe it will be very difficult to look into the eyes of Christ. His eyes penetrate the very heart of man. His eyes not only see clearly, but they are searching. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” His feet are like brass and that speaks of judgment. Jesus Christ makes no mistakes and completely knows all the facts. Therefore, he makes every decision perfectly. The church is protected in his right hand and He speaks with great authority. What a privilege to have the precious word of God at our fingertips. We know that over 6,000 people groups in the world who do not have the Bible in their mother tongue. However, we do! What a gift to have it, to be free to teach it, to have the ability to memorize it, and to allow it to change our lives. Do you really believe that the word of God has authority? One day, Jesus Christ will speak to us face to face and we will know the authority that He possesses. Why not practice today allowing that voice to be our authority? Why not practice today hearing and obeying the voice of God? John closes with the fact that his countenance shown as the brightness of the sun. It is so hard to look at the sun on a bright day. I believe it will be hard for us to look into the brilliance of the countenance of the Son of God. In fact, John says he “fell at His feet as dead.” But as only Jesus could do, He reached down and touched him and told him to fear not. The next statement is the most encouraging statement in the text, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore…” He is alive and He is coming again… maybe today!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never lose sight of your majesty and might. I am humbled that you would love me enough to die for me and to walk with me each day.
• Lord, please help me to not ever neglect your word. May I see it as the necessary source of strength that it is. May I respect your authority and obey your commands.
• Lord, thank you for always keeping your word. I am so thankful that you came like you said you would, died for my sins, was buried and rose again just like you promised. Thank you that I know you are coming again and I look forward to the gift of a new body and the joy of eternal life with you.