Truly a Revelation

The book of Revelation has always scared me a little, simply because it IS such a mystery and I don't think we were meant to understand everything. But I have been convicted lately that I should not let that fear stand in the way of my at least ATTEMPTING to understand it, because Jesus does stress the importance of this book. I read the first nine chapters and the last two today and I saw so many new things with fresh eyes! God was exciting, in a way I haven't experienced in a long time!

One of the things I'm seeing is that God is both completely just and loving at the same time-- the fierce Lion and the gentle, sacrificial Lamb. He gives plenty of time for people to come to know Him, and when they reject Him and choose other gods, there are consequences. He doesn't change who He is so that we will accept Him. This is the main reason that God will punish those who do not choose Him-- "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first Love." (Rev. 2:4)-- There are consequences for sin unchecked!

He stands at the door and knocks patiently (Rev. 3:20), but if we reject His calling, we will not be with Him in eternity. He wants to see as many people come to know Him as possible, because He cares for every one. That's why it pains Him to see them reject His love, which He so freely gives. When Jesus Christ will open the Seventh Seal-- the seal of death and destruction-- it says there will be silence in heaven for half an hour (according to Earth time, perhaps)-- Rev. 8:1. He loves us so much, He doesn't want anyone to perish without Him!

I love the description of the Trinity that John witnesses:

"And among the lampstands was Someone 'like a son of man,' dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."
-Rev. 1:13-16

When I read that, I get chills! I picture my Heavenly Father, my Redeemer, my Beloved, my Savior, my Holy Spirit-- this is whom I serve! And I want to live a holy life, to humbly serve the Lord with an unending fervor all of my days on this Earth!