Today's Reading:O.T. - Psalm 75 - 77
N.T. - Revelation 17
Focus Verses:
Revelation 17:12-14
12"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
Psalm 75:1-5
1We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds. 2You say, "I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly. 3When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. Selah 4To the arrogant I say, 'Boast no more,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up your horns. 5Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck.' "
Insight:
All powers and authorities lifted up against God and his purposes will ultimately be brought down in defeat. Those who boast of their power and seem to have unlimited dominance will one day be judged and reduced to nothing. The Kingdom of Heaven and the chosen and faithful followers of the Lamb will eventually overcome because their Lord and Savior is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Response and Action:
God's people have always had to persevere in the face of oppression. From the ancient days of the Psalmist to the days of the Apostle John to the present days of the persecuted church in many areas of the world, God-fearing believers have been sustained by their faith in a righteous God who will one day put the world to rights and save his people from the corrupt powers of this world. My hope is in the Lord. I stand with those who follow the Lamb.
O God, sustain me and give me hope. Save this world and your people from the hands of wicked rulers and corrupt powers. Bring down those who oppress and destroy and deliver us from evil. Come Lord, quickly, and save. Amen.
Proverbs: 13:12
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Resources:
Deliver Us From Evil
by Ravi Zacharias
