Our family has been through this process for a couple of days now. Currently, I sit next to a tree with no gifts left underneath. All has been opened, all is revealed. The love that considered each family member has shown itself in a tangible way. Some responses were as expected - smiles, exclamations, gratitude. Some responses were over the top and some were veiled disappointment. This is our imperfect way to celebrate the Perfect Gift.
After 65 books and 360 days, we are at the final revealing. God's last love letter to us. His Immanuel Idea, His Purchase with Blood, and now His Final Revelation of Jesus, the Messiah. What will my response be to this "brutal realism and breathtaking romance" of the Book of Revelations (66LL)? It's not an easy unwrapping.
In my self-obsession, I'd like to kick back, relax and have no difficulties to consider today. (Isn't that what Christmas is all about?) But, THE GOD WHO IS, THE GOD WHO WAS, AND THE GOD ABOUT TO ARRIVE is calling me to something other than retirement as I end the year.
Turn back! Recover your dear early love. (2:5)
Don't quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. (2:10)There is much that God is calling me to through this last letter and it's real and it requires me to engage His truth by responding to His love... even when it's hard and especially when what I unwrap isn't what I was expecting.
Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches... I'll give the sacred manna to every conqueror; I'll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name. (2:17)
Hold on to the truth you have until I get there. (2:25)
...your busywork; nothing of God's work has been completed. Your condition is desperate. Think of the gift you once had in your hands, the Message you heard with your ears - grasp it again and turn back to God. (3:2)
I'm on my way; I'll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown. (3:11)
Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God! (3:19)
1 comment:
John had seen so much with his own eyes in his long lifetime. John was old, soon to die. God brought him to the Island of Patmos, alone, to contemplate and consider. Stand up John, I am the Living One, Rev 1:18. And God's Right Hand was on John. As we read the last book, may we see the ways we are not alive.
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