I confess that I sometimes read the end of a book before I read the
beginning. Doing so allows me to know which characters live and which
characters don’t. When I know how it will turn out, I’m able to relax and
thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the story and the characters.
In a similar way, reading the final book of the Bible, the book of
Revelation, can be an encouragement and comfort for the followers of Jesus.
Time and again, Christians are called to be overcomers (1 John 4:4; 5:4; Rev. 2:7,11,17,26;
3:5,12,21). We can be overcomers now and will be for all eternity.
As the apostle John talks about the revealing of the new heaven and the
new earth in Revelation (21:1), he describes what the final victory will look
like for those who have received Jesus as Savior. At that time, we will see the
end of death, tears, sorrow, and pain (v.4). The Lord declares: “He who
overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My
son” (v.7). He will dwell with us (v.3), and He will “make all things new”
(v.5).
When the trials of today seem more daunting than your strength, let the
Lord show you the end of the story when you will be in His presence forever!
For hope today, remember the end of the story— eternity with God. (RBC)
