Bible Pathways - Dec. 26, 2008

Revelation 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The 5th & 6th Trumpets (9:1,13-14). The angel and the little scroll (Ch. 10). The two witnesses (11:3-12). The 7thTrumpet (11:15-19).

Two witnesses will be led by the Lord to face the fierce opposition of those who hate God. But, God will empower them: I will give power unto My two witnesses. . . . And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them (11:3,7). They will be invincible until they shall have finished their testimony. Then and only then will these witnesses for Christ be martyred in the city where also our Lord was crucified (11:8). Only after the time fixed by God for their ministry to be completed will these prophets be given over to the violence of their enemies to become martyrs. Yet the cause which they advocate will not even be weakened; for the martyrs heard a great voice from heaven. . . . And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud (11:12) in full view of their enemies.

It is wonderful to know that, regardless of all else, our work for the Lord cannot end until He is pleased to promote us into His presence. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

The seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15). Praise the Lord!

The same voice of God speaks through His Word to each one of us who makes up His Church today. He calls for a dedication and for a thankful spirit that will count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4). He calls for a sense of urgency to make us equal to the tasks He has placed before us. He looks for believers who pray from the heart: "Make me an intercessor in ardent love for Thee, who commands to pray and not to faint (give up) till faith brings victory." (M.E.H.)

Jesus said: Ye shall be witnesses unto Me (Acts 1:8). We too are called to live — or die — as faithful witnesses for Christ. His Word must and shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt. 24:14). We are getting ever closer to the end. Therefore, My beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).

Thought for Today:

God's Word says: Look for new heavens and a new earth (II Pet. 3:13), and, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent in what you do (3:14).

Cross References:

For Rev. 9:2: See Joel 2:10. Rev. 9:4: See Ex. 12:23. Rev. 9:6: See Jer. 8:3. Rev. 9:7: See Joel 2:4. Rev. 9:8: See Joel 1:6. Rev 9:9: See Joel 2:5-7. Rev. 10:6: See Neh. 9:6. Rev. 11:4: See Zech. 4:2-3,11-12,14. Rev. 11:11: See Ezek. 37:5.

Word Studies:

9:11 Abaddon . . . Apollyon =b> destroyer; 10:6 time no longer =b> no more delay.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Official: Sen. Evan Bayh (IN) • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6