Adventures through the Holy Bible - Week of April 14

God Knows…When I Want Something Better – Part 1

Our world has beautiful places and beautiful people. But not all is beautiful. We get hurt. We get frustrated. We get tired. We get worried. But there’s good news. God has something better in mind.

Over fifty years had passed since Jesus returned to heaven. John was now the only one of the twelve disciples of Jesus still living. Finally John was called to Rome to be tried for his faith, as Paul had been. But nothing Emperor Domitian said or did could sway John from his faith in Jesus. “Take John to the prisoners’ island of Patmos,” he finally commanded. The barren volcanic island in the Aegean Sea was about 16 km long and 10 km wide. John’s enemies thought his influence would end with this banishment. But it didn’t.

What John Saw

One day when John was thinking about Jesus, he heard a trumpet-like voice behind him. John looked around. To his joy, he saw the Lord Jesus. Jesus said, “Write in a book the things you see and send it to the churches.” Then Jesus gave John seven pieces of advice and seven promises for the churches (the number seven stands for completeness). The promises are offered to anyone who heeds the advice. Here are some of the promises:

“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Adam and Even were allowed to eat of the Tree of Life until they disobeyed and ate from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. But someday those who overcome in the battle against sin will be able to enjoy the Tree of Life again.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The golden crown of joy and victory is offered to the winners in the battle of life.

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” White clothing stands for purity, the righteousness of Christ. Anyone who accepts Jesus’ offer of forgiveness is counted as though he hadn’t sinned.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock;” said Jesus. “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” You and I choose whether to open our hearts to Christ. If we do, we will enjoy a real friendship and an ever-growing discovery of truth and love. 

Your Story Hour
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