(The following is the December 9 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 7 and pay close attention to verses 1-3.)
Various interpretations exist regarding the timeline of events in Revelation. If centuries of debate haven’t settled the matter, neither will these devotions. Perhaps it’s more helpful to distinguish between worldly tribulation and God’s wrath. Christians will never experience God’s wrath, but we may suffer earthly trials and persecution. Scripture helps us differentiate between the two.
Verse 14 mentions the great tribulation. Before that, an angel cries out to angels about to carry out God’s wrath, “Don’t harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we seal the servants of our God on their foreheads” (v. 3). Spurgeon wrote about this passage, “There was no flood until there was first the ark. God will protect his own.”[87] Recall Paul’s words to the Romans: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1); “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath” (Rom. 5:8-9). Those secure in Christ are no longer subject to God’s wrath.
However, we are subject to persecution and tribulation in a sinful world. Impacts of lawlessness and actions by those who intentionally harm believers are possibilities that will increase as Satan’s fight against God escalates in the last days. Jesus told us to expect persecution like he received (John 15:20), so we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens. So, if we experience tribulation, we must remember that it isn’t God’s wrath we’re suffering. We should also remember Jesus’ words, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
Next Step:
Which verses in Revelation 7 encourage you? Why?
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