11 – The Author of Right Living Revealed – Second Promised Blessing Revelation 14:12-13 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. The context of this second promised blessing is that Babylon has fallen. Most commentators believe that Babylon is a picture of the spirit of godlessness, which always lures, entices, and tempts men away from the worship of the Creator (the Anointed One) to the worship of created things. From a biblical point of view this is the definition of idolatry. Anything or any person in our lives, which are elevated above God is idolatry. Anything, that makes God less than He is, is also idolatry. Every age has the Babylon spirit present. The spirit of Babylon is also a spirit of anti-Christ. We need to recognize it and shun away from it. This spirit calls evil good and good evil. The patience (longsuffering) of the believers is demonstration of their love for God. The obedience of the believers to His Word and commands is demonstration of their love and faith in God. This faith, hope, and love for God are so strong that they lay down their lives, rather than yield to the Babylon of their lives. Herein is the blessing for the martyrs: when they lay down their lives, they enter into a rest from all their labors. The works that they have performed will follow them in this life and the life to come. Laying down one’s life is a daily task. Paul said that he dies daily. Jesus commanded to take up our cross daily. There are three crosses that Jesus tells us to bear: worldly goods, earthly affections, and our very lives. Lord, show me who and what that I have elevated above you in my life that I may repent. Give me strength to take up my cross daily in order to follow you. May this promised blessing be mine.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:12:32 +0000
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