He Gave

This week as we delve in to Revelation, there is so much imagery for us to wrap our heads around. 

On the one hand we are singing carols and putting out our nativities with baby Jesus. We string glistening lights, fill our houses with decorations, and carefully choose and wrap gifts for family and friends.

Then there is this week’s chapters in Revelation – blood, death, wrath, beasts, a dragon, earthquakes.  I could go on!

So, how do we marry the two.  What has Revelation got to do with baby Jesus?

I’m reminded again of John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The word “gave” really stands out when you consider the two different pictures.

At Christmas we remember that God gave us Jesus as a baby, so that He would grow up, experiencing everything that we experience, feeling everything that we feel.  Yet, he stayed pure.  He showed us the way.  He was born in Bethlehem, the very place that the lambs that were sacrificed in the temple came from.

In Revelation we read about the Lamb that was slain.  God gave His son to take our place, to pay the price, to die on the cross for us.  But the story doesn’t end there.  We know that Jesus rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  And we too are seated in Heavenly places with Him.

This week in Revelation 17:14 we read that the Lamb will conquer AND we read that those who are with Him will conquer.

This imagery helps us to see what has happened.  Jesus has already conquered when He rose from the dead.  When he returns its not to have a fight with the enemy but to see the final implementation of the victory.  He already is a conqueror, which means that we are also conquerors.

We are conquerors!!

We are co-heirs with Christ! Colossians 3:3-4 says “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

This little baby came to earth on mission, with an incredible purpose which He fulfilled.  Then God in all His incredible power says to you and me, now sit on your throne, rule in the authority that you have through my Son, join Him as a conqueror.

It’s time for us to rise up and stand up! To live as God intended us to live. Let’s go in to 2022 strong with Jesus.