Day 247/260: Read Revelation 9

The siege upon Jerusalem was a devastating blow to what was once a proud and powerful people. Many souls were lost eternally because their hearts were not right with the Almighty Jehovah. Not every Jew in the city was killed, but even those who survived refused to repent. They continued their idolatrous ways.

The Old Testament is full of examples of idolatry, and the practice continues even to this day among God’s people who should know better.

The apostle Paul identifies covetousness as idolatry (Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5), and it is not difficult to find even modern-day examples of otherwise religious people who put material desires above spiritual needs. The same was true in first-century Jerusalem; consider the attitude toward tax collectors and money changers and the warnings against exorbitant usury.

Where do we seek value? Do we equate our own worth to our bank account? Our possessions? Or do we understand the words of Jesus: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Revelation 11:17. “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”

Pray

Pray that you may recognize your soul’s worth, as well as the eternal worth of those around you.

Day 246/260: Read Revelation 8

What a scene depicted in Revelation 8! Immediately following the worship of chapter 7, with the angels and elders and four living creatures falling before the throne, the seventh seal is opened and “there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” One commentator called this period of silence “solemn reflection,” while another said it was “a waiting awe.”

Seven angels are given seven trumpets, and again the “prayers of all the saints” are lifted, and the power of God is unleashed. “Noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

The Jews had been God’s chosen people through whom He brought the Savior into the world, but they had presumed a superiority over other nations that was never intended. Thus, in 70 AD, Jesus came in judgment against the Jewish nation.

Regardless of our heritage, who our ancestors may be, let us never forget that we have a personal responsibility to faithfully obey what God revealed. The Jews rejected the Christ when He came and dwelt in the flesh; may we take heed that we do not reject Him in our actions today, else we be punished eternally.

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8-9).

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Revelation 11:17. “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”

Pray

Pray for opportunities to confess Christ both in word and deed today.

Day 245/260: Read Revelation 7

Who is blessed? According to the Master Teacher, “the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), “those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4), “the meek” (Matthew 5:5), “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6), “those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10).

He told his disciples, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).

Peter says, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14).

Suffering in this life for Jesus leads to eternal blessings in heaven. It is written of the martyrs that John saw in his vision: “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

Revelation 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”

Pray

Pray for perseverance, remembering eternal blessings out-weigh any suffering we may have to endure in this life.

Day 244/260: Read Revelation 6

Revelation 6 begins the opening of the seven seals. Keep in mind the symbolic nature of the language; this is not describing the events of the end of the world. The things described here have already come to pass; they were “at hand” at the time of John’s writing.

The fifth seal depicts the cries of the martyrs, “the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” They were crying for justice, and comforted “that they should rest a little while longer.”

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. Sometimes, justice is delayed. God tells us to persevere. The impenitent will be punished in the end.

“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Revelation 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive ____________ and honor and ____________; for You ____________ all things, and by Your will they exist and were ____________.”

Pray

Pray for patience in the face of persecution, and for the strength to be kind to those who are unkind toward you.

Day 243/260: Read Revelation 5

Jesus is worthy. Jesus is deserving. Jesus should be praised and worshiped. All the heavenly host declared that Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, was worthy to receive the following:

• Power
• Riches
• Wisdom
• Strength
• Honor
• Glory
• Blessing

Count it up. There are seven things they proclaim He is worthy to receive. It is no accident that He is declared worthy to receive seven things; seven is the symbolic number of completeness!

How often should I forgive my brother? Jesus says, “Seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). In other words, our forgiveness of each other should be so complete, we lose count!

Jesus is worthy to receive complete praise. Complete worship. Complete honor. Don’t ever forget that He is worthy!

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Revelation 4:11. “You are ____________, O Lord, to receive glory and ____________ and power; for You created ________ things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”

Pray

Pray a prayer of praise for the Lamb who laid down His life for your eternal salvation.

Day 242/260: Read Revelation 4

We are told at the very beginning of the book of Revelation that the language is symbolic. “And he sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1). It is important to remember this important fact as we read the book.

This is the great throne scene depicting God on the throne, the Almighty being worshiped by His creation. The twenty-four elders around the throne represent the twelve tribes of the old covenant and the twelve apostles of the new covenant.

The text says in verse 4 that the elders “had crowns of gold on their heads,” and in verse 10 that they “cast their crowns before the throne.” This act of casting their crowns shows humility, a recognition of the fact that any power they may claim to comes from God.

Their words of praise in verse 11 should forever be on the lips of God’s people:

“You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”

May we never forget that God alone is worthy of our worship!

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

Revelation 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”

Pray

Pray a prayer of praise for God, the Almighty Creator!

Day 241/260: Read Revelation 3

What kind of letter would Jesus write to the congregation where you worship? Look at some of the things said to these first century congregations. Do any of them describe today’s church?

• “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
• “You have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
• “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot…I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Do any of these descriptions fit the congregation where you worship? Can you identify with the church that has a good reputation, and that’s about it? Or does the church where you worship actually keep the Word and stand for the truth? Is there apathy or zeal among the body?

Everyone has room for improvement. Are you doing your part to encourage and enhance the work of the church?

One thing is sure: Jesus knows your works. Don’t deceive yourself; take an honest inventory of your own spiritual life and the strength of the congregation, then do what needs to be done to make yourself and your brethren stronger.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Revelation 4:11. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”

Pray

Pray for the elders, deacons, preachers, and other members in your congregation.