Come Up Here

Daily Reading: Revelation 4-5

Scripture Focus: Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this… To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! (Revelation 4.1 & 5.13)

Devotional Thought: After his vision of Jesus, John was invited to "come up here" and catch a glimpse of heaven.  He was amazed, for he saw...

·       Him who sits on the throne.  In the aftermath of a presidential election, there is great hype about who is going to occupy the White House and lead the free world.  Millions are dismayed (some to the point of weeping and wailing!)  Approximately the same number, however, are thrilled.  When people realize who is sitting on the throne of the universe, there will be similar reactions.  Some will be distressed.  Some will be elated.  God the Judge of all will be revealed to all.  And, he keeps perfect records!

·       The Lamb.  After an election, we also hear a lot about "who is to blame: for the loss.  People are looking for a scapegoat, someone to hold accountable.  Nobody, of course, is willing to take the blame.  But when we see Jesus in heaven, we will encounter The Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world.  He "took the blame" for all of us. 

·       The Spirit.  Whether in a spirit of protest or a spirit of celebration, an election causes many people to get "carried away."  They feed on each other and get worked up with a common spirit.  It was different for John.  When he looked into that great worship service in heaven, he said he was “in the Spirit.”  Notice the capitalized Spirit, indicating a personal name.  John was not simply taken up with the excitement or group spirit.  No, he was taken up by the Spirit – the Third Person of the Trinity.  That's the Spirit I want!

Come up here.  You'll be amazed!

Prayer: John saw you in a vision of heaven, Lord.  It was so amazing!  I have never had a vision like that, but thanks be to God you are inviting me to "come up here", to one day see you in heaven!  Then, I shall see with my own eyes.  Hallelujah and Amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 102.12-17

12 But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.

13 You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.

14 For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.

15 Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.

16 For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;

17 he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.