They Will Reign On The Earth (Revelation 5:10)

 


Friday, November 15, 2024


Psalm 37:1-17

Susannah 1-33

Revelation 5


They Will Reign On The Earth (Revelation 5:10)


One of our intentions with the theme “The Sword And The Trowel” is to encourage ourselves in our kingdom work. There have always been opponents of Christ and his gospel, and if we allow ourselves to fall into their claims, then we risk losing heart and the courage of our convictions.


Yet, just as the printing press drove the Reformation to take root and flourish, the internet has given us plenty of examples and resources to take on the opponents of the gospel in our day. Every Christian with an internet connection should be, at the very least, an amateur student of most schools of apologetics (apologetics being the art of explaining Christianity). And, if we can get a handle on defending the faith, then the door is opened to easier evangelism, which is the end goal of apologetics.


There is no better resource, however, than the Bible. When we come to the parts of the Bible that instruct us on apologetics then we can cover them. What today’s reading from Revelation does for us is strengthen our courage and assure us in our kingdom work.


The scrolls, as we will read on to discover, communicate the idea of authority on the earth. To open the scrolls is to have complete control over what happens, and when. St John weeps because there is no-one who is worthy to wield such power – that is, until the appearance of the Lamb that was slain.


The Lamb, as I hope we all can see, is Christ Jesus. He is worthy to take the scroll; he is worthy to wield supreme authority over creation. And the reason why he is worthy is because he earned it, by laying down his life and shedding his blood for his people. If we are to take courage from this scene in Revelation, it is two-fold: firstly, it is that our Lord truly is the Lord of all things, and his gospel shuts every mouth of opposition. And secondly, our Lord is Lord of all things because of his great love, a love that is so blinding and powerful and true that he did what only he could do: die on the cross and rise again. This is the Lord we follow; it is his truth we proclaim; it his kingdom we are building. And he has made us to reign on the earth.


Where do you see Christ’s authority in your life? Where do you see opposition to his authority, and how might that opposition be turned into worship?


Lord Jesus, you are worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise. Strengthen our courage to take hold of our inheritance as a kingdom and priests to serve our God and reign on the earth.

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