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"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." (Psalm 105:1-3)

It is Wednesday December 26, 2007 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelations. Please read, Revelation 6 -- 8 In Today's Reading we will learn about the seven seals; 144,000 sealed; the numberless multitude; and four trumpets sounded.

The exile of John on Patmos and the suffering taking place in Smyrna are examples of the persecution that was intensifying against Christians throughout the Roman Empire then and is in much of the world today. "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:8-10)

However, such persecution resulted in one of the greatest promises of the Bible: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (7:9-10). In heaven multitudes of overcomers stand in the presence of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through the centuries, this revelation has strengthened the faith of many Christians who have faced fierce opposition from a hostile world.

Each generation of believers which has had its heart set upon living for Jesus was always a minority. As Jesus proclaimed: "Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:14). Still, however, one day the population of heaven will include a great multitude, which no man could number. Faithful Christians may not have much of earth's pleasures, but earthly life is exceedingly short compared to eternity. The trials we face now will seem insignificant compared to the glorious privilege of being in the presence of the King of kings for all eternity.

"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, thank You that You loved us so much that, though we were born into sin, You died for us so that we might be lifted from our sin and reconciled to the Father. In addition to receiving forgiveness and reconciliation we also become joint heirs taking on our new identity as “children of God.” What an incredible honor and selfless act of love that You would place us in the family of believers with the King of kings and Lord of lords as our Father. This is the wonder of Your great love, indeed! In Jesus name, we pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and God Bless you.
Christina

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