Follow the Lamb - 21 Day Study on the Book of RevelationНамуна

Day 21: How Then Shall We Live in Babylon?/A Manifesto for Dissident Disciples

Scripture Reading:

‘As I watched in the night visions,

I saw one like a human being

coming with the clouds of heaven.

And he came to the Ancient One

and was presented before him.

To him was given dominion

and glory and kingship,

that all peoples, nations and languages

should serve him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

that shall not pass away,

and his kingship is one

that shall never be destroyed.’

- Daniel 7.13-14 (NRSV)

John the Baptist was called to prepare the way of the Lord, to make his paths straight. We, too, are called to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming, to prepare the earth and her people, of all nations, tribes and languages, for God himself to make his home amongst us, to come with justice and mercy, and to rid the world once and for all of the evil, and restore creation to the perfection he intended it to be. Time and time again, the word ‘discernment’ comes to mind. It is not an easy task to live in Babylon and stay focussed on the New Jerusalem. There are lots of pretty, shiny things that catch our attention out of the corner of our eyes: home cinemas, beautiful jewellery, bitcoin, flattering friends, potential partners who would draw the envy of our mates, and the latest car or device. We must give thanks for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, who gives us this discernment we so desperately need, who pricks our conscience when we are tempted to go astray, who refocuses us on God and reminds us to follow the Lamb.

There are many good causes in the world and many honourable reasons for joining political parties to have an influence on those who govern, and we may well be called to be a part of these activities. All that we do, all that we say, is to be ultimately focused on giving glory to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our words and actions are important to God, and they are important to those men, women and children who he made and loves and in the midst of whom he has placed us. May we make our choices wisely, bringing Christ to our homes and communities, and may our ultimate motivation always be to follow the Lamb.

Some things to think about:

1. What would you say to a friend who asked what the Revelation is about?
2. What excites you most about your future life with God forever?
3. How does reading the Revelation affect your life?

Prayer:

Renewing, restoring God, I thank you that you love me. Thank you that you offer everyone salvation through Jesus. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.