NT24 FastSample

Day 22 by Kevin Tipps, Campus Pastor of UPPERROOM Dallas

Today’s Reading: Revelation 1-7

"The revelation of Jesus Christ... Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." (Revelation 1:1,3)

The end of our fast is drawing near. As I think about the ending of our journey, I can't help but be drawn to how the final book of the New Testament begins, "The revelation of Jesus Christ...".

As we have fasted together, we have chosen to deprive ourselves of food so we could feed our soul and feast on this one thing, the main thing - a deeper and fuller revelation of the beauty, majesty, grace, and all-sufficiency of Jesus. Over the recent weeks, how has He revealed Himself in ways you haven't seen Him before? How was your heart newly awakened to see what you have known of Him all along but in fresh ways? This fast will soon be over, but what we have read, seen, and encountered of Him will remain. His word in you will continue to unfold and bear fruit in the coming days. Spend time today looking back over your prayer journal to ponder and remember the many challenging and powerful moments this journey has held. Allow gratitude to well up in your soul for the eyes He gave you to see Him more clearly. Give Him thanks for the gift of hunger and thirst He has multiplied within you. Praise Him in advance for what the coming weeks and months will hold as His words and promises grow and bear fruit in your life throughout the year.

We are truly blessed to spend the remainder of our time in this mysterious book together. Blessed to read of John's encounter with the King of Glory. Blessed to hear our Savior's words and to see glimpses of our Bridegroom within its pages. May your hope increase during these last days of fasting in the coming wedding feast we will soon share with Him. One day, we too will see all John saw and standing with him, the multitude of angels and countless witnesses, and "the revelation of Jesus" will become our seen and forever reality and the full and complete revealing of the Lamb of God will be our eternal portion.

Maranatha.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your grace as we've drawn near to You in this fast. Jesus, we are so grateful for how You sustained us and fed us Your words. Thank You for disclosing Yourself to us. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your instruction, conviction, and the spirit of wisdom and knowledge You shared with us as we've fed on the Word of God. You have changed us and transformed us, and we are so grateful. We trust Your work in us, and we thank You that this season has been and will continue to be fruitful as we remain in Your Word and You continue to renew us by it. We love You and, together with the Holy Spirit, say, "Come, Lord Jesus."