Instruction
Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7
The readings this week are for Reformation Sunday, and they
highlight God’s grace and the salvation that comes by faith in Christ alone.
The Book of Revelation is the record of a series of visions
that the Apostle John had while in exile. Each of the visions revolves around
the same point; that Jesus will return and His people will receive salvation
when He comes. This part of the vision records an angel proclaiming the eternal
gospel and calling people to fear and worship God. The function of this text is
that it reminds the reader of God’s desire for all people to be saved and that,
even today, He continues to call people to return to Him in faith.
Teaching
Revelation is a book that has been badly abused and
misunderstood. It is intended to be a message of comfort for the readers
reminding them that no matter what the devil and the world throw at them Jesus
has won the victory and that cannot be changed. This reading reminds them that
the message of Jesus’ salvation continues to be proclaimed in the world today
and the call still goes out to all people to trust in the God who both made and
saved them.
It should be noted that throughout the Bible the mark that
God is the true the God is that He made heaven and earth; the sea and all that
is in it. This idea is largely dismissed by the world today, but it should not
be so among us. The God who made all things is the one who decided to redeem us
in the most remarkable way – the death and resurrection of His Son. That is the
gospel the angel proclaims.
Life
The next time you go to the store, work, school, or wherever
you go, take some time to look at the people. The eternal gospel is to be
proclaimed to everyone who dwells on earth, to every nation and tribe and
language and people. Each person that you see has a message waiting for them
from the eternal God who created all things, and that message is that He has
saved them and provided a way for them to be reconciled to Him.
Prayer
O God, You have sent Your messengers into the world to
proclaim the eternal gospel of salvation for all people. The greatest of these
messengers is Your own Son our Savior, Jesus. You desire for all to be saved;
from every nation and tribe and language and people on this earth which You
created.
Thank You for Your gospel, and thank You for making all that
there is. We thank You for the vast diversity of the peoples of the world and
for eternal desire to have them come to a right relationship with You in which
they fear You and give You glory.
Forgive us, Lord, for forgetting that this world is Yours
and acting as though You did not make it. Forgive us for our lack of concern
for the people whom You have made who dwell in this world. Forgive us for
holding the eternal gospel close to ourselves rather than joining in
proclaiming it.
Let Your angels and all Your messengers continue to proclaim
Your gospel. Open the ears of men, women, and children around the world to hear
of Your salvation, and let them come to know their Creator so that they too may
fear You and give You glory. Amen.
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