December 17, 2013
John saw Christ open the 7th and final seal and as the scroll unfolded, silence fell over heaven. Was this the silence of expectation, awaiting the reading of the scroll’s content? Or was the silence part of the message? Perhaps it was a kind of intermission between scenes? Or a time of prayerful meditation awaiting the final unfolding of God’s revelation? Regardless, there was silence… made more profound by its suddenness and length. Even John held his tongue and did not interrupt with questions. All was silent. Perhaps this is the silence that will precede the creation of the new heaven and the new earth. Just like the silence that preceded the original creation. And the silent night that fell before our Savior’s birth.
December 14, 2013
John wept because no one was found that could open the scroll with the seven seals. Then, one of the elders (possibly Peter or Matthew, since both were already martyred), pointed out One that was standing between the Throne and four living creatures. This One was both the “Root” and the “Branch” (Isaiah 11:1) of David, pointing to both His preexistence and incarnation. He was the “Lion of Judah” reflecting His royal birthright. Yet even more significant was His identity as the One who had “conquered,” defeating sin, death and the grave by His sacrificial death and resurrection. When John saw Him take the scroll, he witnessed the most wonderful worship erupt in heaven as they all sang, “Worthy is the Lamb!” And his tears turned to joy!
December 10, 2013
Since Jesus has called us to a relationship, He cares about our love. The church at Ephesus was commended by Christ for their works, endurance and doctrine. Yet, He questioned the priority of their love. He called them back to the passion they had when they first began. Jesus cares as much for our attitude as our action. He wants our hearts afire with a love for Him that worships out of passionate devotion, not religious duty.
December 9, 2013
The book of Revelation contains a multifaceted promise: 1) That the one who reads it to the church will be blessed, 2) that the listener will be blessed, 3) that the one who obeys its instruction will be blessed, and 4) that the time of the end is near. I had the privilege of reading chapter one of this book aloud to a group of believers on the island of Patmos. Together, we experienced a taste of this promise.
December 31, 2012
God both sends and invites. First, He sends Jesus, and Jesus sends the Spirit and the Spirit sends the Bride, which is the Church. Then, the Spirit and the Bride together invite others to “come.” If you hear the Spirit’s voice calling, if you are spiritually dry and thirsty, if you desire real and fulfilling life, then “Come.” This is the last day of 2012, perhaps the Last Day is today or tomorrow, so why not “Come.”
December 28, 2012
The center of our preaching is Christ. We preach the whole written Word of God, yet recognizing always that the essence of our message is the Incarnate Word. We must make it “clear” that our witness is not self-help or improvement through human effort or rule-keeping, but Jesus our Sacrifice, Jesus our Savior, Jesus our Sovereign. A clear and simple testimony about Jesus is the essence of truly prophetic preaching.
December 25, 2012
Young and old alike anticipate Christmas morning, watching and hoping for toys and new clothes. But the One born on Christmas day calls us to get clothes of righteousness from Him and to be watching for His return. It’s good to celebrate His birth, especially when we let the Story lead us to the Cross, the Empty Tomb and to His Parousia. Merry Christmas friends! And Happy Birthday Jesus!
December 21, 2012
John the Revelator saw the birth of Jesus from heaven’s perspective. I believe the woman represents Israel with the 12 stars being the 12 tribes (see Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9). John catches a glimpse behind the curtain of pre-history and of the spiritual warfare that preceded the Savior’s birth. Satan tried to stop Christmas, but failed.
December 20, 2012
The Magi followed the star looking for the one born king, and found HIm in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied. Yet, His kingdom had not yet come. Jesus preached the kingdom, and taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come” prayers. He was crucified and rose from the grave to overcome the ruler of this world and inaugurate His Kingdom. Some day, the 7th trumpet will sound and King Jesus’ will reign on earth as in heaven.
December 19, 2012
John ate the scroll containing the word from God. This should always be the preacher’s process, to first “eat” the Word before proclaiming it. The Word needs to have its effect on the prophet before repeating it to others.