LWCF

"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."  -Revelation 14:13

Over and over again we get to see God's heart for His people. He knows that the labor of these saints is strenuous. He knows that they will have to be deadly serious about their work until the very end. By John's pen He encourages them through the promise of rest; and in some measure, that their works have meaning. Their works have eternal meaning because they are wrought faithfully in His name! May we be like these saints, looking to our rest and not crippled by a fixation on it. Instead, let us be working for the kingdom until the end. May it be said of us that our works follow us.  

"...and they have no rest day or night who worship the beast and his image and whoever receives the mark of his name." -Revelation 14:11

There is no rest apart from Christ. This truth is eternal. James writes, "Do you not know that peace with the world is enmity with God?"* We know that there is true rest and peace in Christ, that his yoke is easy! We know that the thief has come to steal, kill, and destroy but Christ has come that we would have life more abundantly!** Know where to find rest - in the person and promises of Jesus Christ.  Shun the lies of the enemy, his promises are hollow and allegiance with him and with the world will bring only restlessness. Cling to the promises of our faithful Lord, His promises are enduring and His rest is eternal.  

*James 4:4
**John 10:10

 "Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell in the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people..." -Revelation 14:6

This book we call Revelation has unfortunately received a bit of an unfair characterization throughout history. People are sometimes drawn to it out of a fascination for the mysterious or some sort of dark morbidity. Some people are simply trying to answer the question, what happens next? Sometimes, people are repulsed by the violence and tremendous vision of suffering. God has taught me gently to see this book through His eyes - with grace, and love, and holiness. Even in the midst of what appears to be terrible deception, death, and pain God sends a messenger. He sends the gospel - the good news! There is hope in Christ!  Our Father will never abandon His creation. He offers a millionth chance to drink at the fountain of grace and mercy. His love never fails.