Motivation From Revelation

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 24, 2016 

Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. Revelation 1:19

Sometimes I scratch my head while seeking to understand practical applications for my life from the prophetic Book of Revelation. The figurative imagery and symbolism can be confusing, even overwhelming. But the more I interpret Scripture with Scripture—and the more I pray over the futurist words in this last book of the Bible—the more I take to heart God’s promises for my life with Jesus. Just to reflect on the perseverance and love of the exiled and elderly disciple John challenges me to endure hardships and love radically. Revelation inspires a godly motivation!

Verse 19 of chapter one gives us a three part outline of the entire book of Revelation. The first section is defined as “what John has seen”, which is the exalted Christ described in chapter one. The second section is “what is now”, where John addresses the condition of the seven churches of Asia in chapters two and three. The third and last section of Revelation are chapters four to twenty-two which covers “what will take place later”—the second coming of Jesus and His millennial reign. Revelation is motivation to focus on Christ glorified and His bride the church.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NKJV).

It’s hard to be motivated by events way off in the future—life today tends to trump life tomorrow. But, what if our respect of and focus on the future could cause our present circumstances to make more sense and give us hope to endure? Hope is heaven’s remedy for needy souls. Hope in God for peace—not found in the troubles of this world. Hope in God for security—not found in the unreliability of money. Hope in God for forgiveness—not found in those unfamiliar with grace. Hope in God for His fulfilling future. Revelation can motivate a life of abundance right now!

We are also compelled to praise the Lord in the glory of His holy majesty when we experience the radical worship graphically and emotionally depicted in Revelation. Here we see Almighty God worshipped for His resounding victory over the enemy. We worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords—not the Kings of earth who lord their power and wealth over their citizens. We worship Jesus, not our jobs. We worship the Lord as the Holy Spirit frees our spirit. We are motivated to worship because one day we bow in worship to God at the Lamb’s marriage supper!

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6-7).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, my hope is in You and I worship You with all my heart and soul.

Application: Record in your journal God’s promises you hope for and trust Him to fulfill.

Related Readings: Genesis 24:48; Psalm 25:25; Isaiah 49:23; Acts 13:2, 16:14; Revelation 15:4

Post/Tweet this today: Hope in God for peace—not found in the troubles of this world. #WisdomHunters #motivationfromRevelation

Worship Video: 8 minutes – Kim Walker: Show Me Your Glory

Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Order now!

If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help.

Our free Apple app     Our free Android app

© 2016 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.