Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-16; 21:1-4
He Will Rise Up In the End
Turn on the news and you immediately realize that creation is groaning. Looking inward, ever mindful of our own desires, even believers are lovers of self, forgetful of our first love. Seduced by darkness masquerading as light, we are easily lulled into apathy. Yet deep inside we still long for God to step in and rescue us, if only from ourselves.
We wonder why he is slow to act, why he doesn’t return to end our suffering and reveal his power and glory. Despite our impatience and demands that he act when and how we see fit, we must believe that he delays because he loves us and is patient, even in his righteous anger at the state of this world.
This season, look up to the sky in anticipation that all will be made right. Remember, the baby we celebrate, innocent and pure, will return on a white horse to save us. He will rise up and render justice with a flame of fire in his eyes. The baby was and is Faithful and True, The Word of God, the ultimate warrior coming to claim his own. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The night may be long, but the day is coming when he will reveal his glory. He will wage the final, victorious battle of good over evil. And after the last tear falls, we will dwell with God in the new heaven and earth. Lord Jesus, may we be found faithful in the waiting!
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 ESV
Andrew Peterson. After the Last Tear Falls. 2003