Anticipated Surprise

Daily Reading:  Revelation 16

Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! (Revelation 16.15)

Devotional Thought: Revelation 16 prophecies the pouring out of the seven last plagues introduced in chapter 15.  Like the opening of the seals and the blowing of the trumpets, these plagues are part of the end time events.  In the midst of the description of the terrible plagues, however, we are interrupted with a warning that serves as a sign of hope: “Behold, I am coming..." (v. 15).

This pronouncement is not something new.  Jesus had spoken of it in the gospels and in Revelation 3.  He is returning and it will be like a thief.  A thief who announces his arrival loses the element of surprise, as the home or business would be waiting and ready.  That is why homeowners and businesses have alarm systems – to always be ready for the unannounced thief.  A quarterback who telegraphs his passes is apt to be intercepted because the defense can react.  Good defenses, however, always maintain readiness for the pass.  A general who boasts of his strategy prepares the enemy for their defense.  Wise adversaries, though, are watching for the unannounced attack.  Jesus is telling us to be awake and aware.  Then we will be ready.

Hope is found in the word of blessing: blessed is the one who stays awake.  In the midst of the terrible plagues described in Revelation 16, there is the certainty of hope.  In spite of the cataclysmic events at the end of all things, the righteous will be ready.  The Spirit of God will help us be awake and vigilant.  The robes of Christ’s righteousness will cover us.  We need to "keep [our] garments on" by living holy, obedient, and faithful lives.  May God help us to eagerly anticipate the best surprise the world has ever known!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your anticipated return.  Though I know not the day or the hour, I can still be ready by the promise of God - and the presence of Jesus - and the power of the Holy Spirit.  So come quickly, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 105:16-22

16 He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food;

17 and he sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.

18 They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons,

19 till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true.

20 The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free.

21 He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed,

22 to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.