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!
