September 15, 2020: SOAP #3939:  Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Observation:  In chapter 19 the mention of the mark of the beast had to do with the punishment of those who received it.  In this chapter we find the reward for those who refused it.  They come back to life and have the high honor of being a part of Christ’s reign on earth for 1000 years. 

It is always worth the effort to follow and honor Jesus.   

This passage is also a good reminder that our life does not end with death.  What we will experience after death will far surpass anything we have experienced during our short time in this life.  I think of eternity as a mind-expanding experience.    

Application:  A strong message I have from my father’s life:  it is not always easy, but it is always worth the struggle to follow Jesus.   I love to sing:  “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.  Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.  One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase.  So bravely run the race till we see Christ!”     

Prayer:   Lord, your plans are amazing!  What a peace to know that your plans will succeed.  Nothing can stop your will or your plans.  You make promises that only you can keep.  …and we know that you will keep them. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!