Thank you for joining us as we have worked our way through the book of Revelation. As Pastor David continues to help us unpack the rest of the book, we are going to turn our attention in our daily devotions to the different themes found in John’s writing. For the next four weeks, we’ll dive into themes in the book of Revelation and explore how they align with the rest of Scripture.
This week we will explore the ideas of perseverance and being a faithful witness. What does it look like to stand firm in what we believe, resisting corruption and remaining loyal to God in the midst of difficult things?
Day 3: Standing Firm to the End
Read Revelation 3:15-16
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Read Matthew 24:9-13
9 Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
The admonishment that the church in Laodicea receives in Revelation makes my stomach drop. I think partially because I doubt many of us would say that we aspire to a lukewarm faith, yet we can see and feel how easy it might be to slip into that kind of faith. A lukewarm faith goes through the motions yet rarely lets God impact and really change us from the inside out. It is more concerned with self-preservation than full surrender.
But what God is looking for is faith that stands firm. Faith that informs and directs everything we say and do. Faith that is fully surrendered to the one who holds our salvation and our future in His loving and gracious hands.
Jesus warns that the love of many will grow cold. How can you protect your heart from spiritual indifference?
Lord Jesus,
Today we ask you to help us live the kind of faith that pleases you and brings you glory. Help us to fully surrender to your love and your will and then to live boldly – and joyfully…watching and waiting for your return. Amen.
