December 28, 2012 … The New Jerusalem

Chronological Bible Reading Plan - Day 363

Passage of the Day: Reference of Today’s Chronological Bible Study: Revelation, Chapters 6-11 To study these chapters, go to this link -
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Highlight Passages: Revelation 6 - 11 [Please use the link above to read/study these chapters of The Revelation]: [NLT] … {As the Apostle John unfolds and writes the vision gave him of the New Jerusalem, my Parsons commentary summarizes this section of the Prophetic writings in this way:  
“As the first four seals are opened, riders appear on horses of different colors: war, famine, disease, and death are in their path (6:1-8). As the fifth seal is opened, John sees those in heaven who have been martyred for their faith in Christ (6:9-11). A set of contrasting images appears at the opening of the sixth seal. On one side, there is a great earthquake, stars fall from the sky, and the sky rolls up like a scroll (6:12-17). On the other side, multitudes are before the throne, worshiping and praising God and the Lamb (7:1-17). Finally, the seventh seal is opened (8:1-5), unveiling a series of God's judgments announced by seven angels with seven trumpets. The first four angels bring hail, fire, a mountain of fire, and a falling star—the sun and moon are darkened (8:6-13). The fifth trumpet announces the coming of locusts with the power to sting (9:1-12). The sixth trumpet heralds the coming of an army of warriors on horses (9:13-21). In 10:1-11, John is given a small scroll to eat. Following this, John is commanded to measure the Temple of God (11:1, 2). He sees two witnesses, who proclaim God's judgment on the earth for three and a half years (11:3-14). Finally, the seventh trumpet sounds, calling the rival forces of good and evil to the final battle. On one side is Satan and his forces; on the other side stands Jesus Christ with his forces (11:15–13:18).” } 

My Journal for Today: When I look at the difficult paths through life, I often use the word picture of life being a minefield; and any rational Christian would not want to be a Lone Ranger, trying to wander through that dangerous minefield without being able to follow One Who knew where all the mines were placed. And so, I do all I can to follow Jesus through the minefields of life, using His “GPS,” … “God’s Positioning System,” i.e., His word, to guide me through life, … doing all I can, using the Holy Spirit’s “GPS,” to avoid the mines in this minefield we call life.

But as I get into God’s word, I see my search more like a search through a treasure laden mine, trying to find God’s fine gems and treasured minerals. As was pictured by the Author of Job, Chapter 28, seeking after the mind of God, i.e., His wisdom, is like mining for God’s treasures. However, to find the treasures, it can be hard work at times, even risky digging into God’s truth. But we’ve got to be willing to discipline ourselves to dig deep and keep picking away until we find the pure gold or valuable jewels God has waiting for those who’re willing to dig deeply into His mine of truth for His treasures.

Digging into The Revelation is difficult mining; but do you remember the promise in the opening Chapter – in Revelation 1: 3? It reads: God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen. So, I hope you’re willing to use the links I provided yesterday, today, and closing out December in my blog to read and obey what you glean from God’s mine of truth, given through the writing of this Prophetic book. I’m blessed to have a reliable and effective commentary as I read and try to interpret this richly laden book of prophesy.

And perhaps you have a good study Bible or well-regarded Bible commentary on The Revelation to help you do your mining on this treasure chest in God’s word. It may be difficult work; but with God’s promise above in Rev. 1: 3, it’s worth it!

My Prayer for Today Lord, thank You for the mine of truth which is Your Word; and I’m so grateful to be led to work a portion of that mine so filled with your treasures as The Revelation. … Amen