Two dear friends asked that question yesterday: Why is life so hard? I saw an answer this morning in Revelation 11:15.
And 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.
We are in a process...the kingdoms of this world 'are becoming' the kingdoms of the Lord. The verb used in the original text embodies the concept of process. We are in the midst of a transformation. And the artist is perfect and powerful...worthy of our trust. Walk with me for a few minutes?
The fearsome imagery of Revelation pierces my heart. No doubt remains that a cosmic battle affects our world. The war that began in heaven spilled onto earth. The angels said, "Woe to the inhabitants of earth." It came here because the devil and his angels 'did not prevail' against the army of the Lord. The fury of the loser seeks to destroy the earth and scripture says God will destroy that which seeks to destroy His creation.
Good and evil are at odds here. The work of the enemy in heaven was accusation; he was our adversary there and is our adversary now. The devil is a real being who wants to take us down with him. Cast from heaven, the devil has authority in this realm. There are kingdoms that belong to him. Under his rule, there is no peace. His tools are deception and discord; his goal our worship of him. His ways are know-able: scripture shows us his techniques with Eve and Jesus...and countless others. Typically, he plays on our pride and selfish desires. In fact, scripture says wisdom is to know the number of men; we humans are limited. Our number (6) falls short of perfection. Our hope is in heaven...and it is a sure hope! Trust Jesus.
And 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.
We are in a process...the kingdoms of this world 'are becoming' the kingdoms of the Lord. The verb used in the original text embodies the concept of process. We are in the midst of a transformation. And the artist is perfect and powerful...worthy of our trust. Walk with me for a few minutes?
The fearsome imagery of Revelation pierces my heart. No doubt remains that a cosmic battle affects our world. The war that began in heaven spilled onto earth. The angels said, "Woe to the inhabitants of earth." It came here because the devil and his angels 'did not prevail' against the army of the Lord. The fury of the loser seeks to destroy the earth and scripture says God will destroy that which seeks to destroy His creation.
Good and evil are at odds here. The work of the enemy in heaven was accusation; he was our adversary there and is our adversary now. The devil is a real being who wants to take us down with him. Cast from heaven, the devil has authority in this realm. There are kingdoms that belong to him. Under his rule, there is no peace. His tools are deception and discord; his goal our worship of him. His ways are know-able: scripture shows us his techniques with Eve and Jesus...and countless others. Typically, he plays on our pride and selfish desires. In fact, scripture says wisdom is to know the number of men; we humans are limited. Our number (6) falls short of perfection. Our hope is in heaven...and it is a sure hope! Trust Jesus.
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