Warning and Assurance

 

OK, today, I get preachy ... but it's good.  Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read it and heed its warnings (Revelations 1:3).  I like to read Revelation often, because I need God’s Word to fill by heart, and I need God’s blessing upon my life.  So, last week I read Revelation 14: 6&7, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”  First, I noticed that the messenger from God preached the everlasting gospel to ALL people, both to those who believed and to those who would believe not.  And second, those who believed faced dreadful persecution, and even martyrdom.  God’s life-changing Gospel is at once, a warning and an assurance: a warning to those who will not believe and an assurance to those who will believe.  But God’s lavish grace is always available even to those who will not believe … right up until the very end!  Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  Hey, have you taken of that water of life?  Dear friend, do it now while you have opportunity.  Remember, you are not guaranteed of tomorrow.