“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.””
Revelation 15:3-4 ESV
Observation:
Two things that these scriptures reveal is that God’s Will will be done and His ways are true and just. When we look at those that conquered the beast that stand beside the sea of glass, John tells us that those that have been persecuted and martyred chose to not give in and worshipped God knowing that God’s Will will be done. They sing the Song of Moses and of the Lamb of God.
And because of they didn’t waver in their faith even when faced with terrible persecution and death. They followed in the footsteps of Jesus, who himself faced His own death on the cross, but cried out to the Father, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:44). We need to trust in God putting our faith that God’s will will be done, even in trials and challenges. We may just have to go through them, not because God doesn’t care, but because He has our eternity in mind. The Bible says that those who try to hold onto their life will lose it and the one who gives it up, gains life. We need to trust in God that He has our best in mind even in our trials and challenges.
John also notes, “Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!” We often feel that when things happen to us, we cry out to God, “That is not fair! Why are you doing this to me?! Why is this happening? I pray, do devotions, go to church, tithe, and serve in church! Why is this happening?” John points us to this scene where those that conquered sing praises, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!” They sing praises that His ways are true and just.
When we hit challenges and trials we tend to only look at what we want to see. We are hurt or in pain, so I must be right since I am the victim. John wants us to see that despite our perspective and what we think is true and just, and in our desire to seek to blame someone or get revenge. We need to let it rest in God for He knows what is the true reason and He is the only one who is truly just.
Application:
Due to COVID-19 we have been under so much strain in relationships, finances, struggles with being anxious over our health, just to name a few. Yet, God is calling us to remember that He has control over what is happening. We may ask why is this happening to us, but through these trials and challenges, God may have us see what is truly important. Our eyes are opened to how much relationships mean to us. We may realize dreams that have laid dormant in the humdrum of our daily routines. We seek out passions we may have had waiting for us to discover. this is only through the furnace of trial. We are encouraged not to say things are not fair. God has His reasons and His will. We need to be able to trust in God’s promises and will.
John also encourages us to know the truth and that God is true. Sometimes what filters down through the internet and our talk is not true. However, we can start to believe in lies claiming the are the truth. Ravi Zacharias said the truth is surrounded by a bodyguard of lies. It takes us getting to know the truth through the source, God’s Word. The more we are in God’s Word and integrate His Word into our lives can we cut through lies that pose as truth. When the world or the devil tells us that God doesn’t love us because why would He make me lose my business or job? God’s Word says His ways are not our ways and He has plans for our good. John is encouraging us to know that God is just and true.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, this has been a tough year for many of us and even myself. Yet, I praise you that you have sustained us and given my family a new dream. Thank you for your Word that we can trust in these times that are full of turmoil and confusion. I ask that as we seek answers that you guide us and help us to trust in Your ways. Grant us the answers we seek through walking with You to know your will. I ask that in 2021, you will continue to supply us with what we need to serve others and realize your call for us to share the Gospel. Help us to trust You amidst challenges and trials that we can still praise You in them. Thank you for being a just and true God. I love you and ask of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen
