Daily Reading: Revelation 17
Scripture Focus: And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness... (Revelation 17.3a)
Devotional Thought: In Revelation 17, we are nearing the end. There is a great tumult to come (Chapter 18, the fall of Babylon, representing the collapse of this present age). There is also a great triumph to come (Chapters 19-22, the rise of the saints of God to everlasting life). Before John was to see the end, however, there was one more journey he had to make - the journey to the wilderness. It was from the wilderness that these things began to unfold.
That is often the case. The wilderness is the stage in our journey that prepares us for tumult and for triumph.
Moses went to the wilderness before the distress and deliverance of the Israelites. Paul went to the wilderness before his persecution for and preaching of the gospel. John the Baptist went to the wilderness to proclaim repentance and to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus himself went to the wilderness to face his trials and to see the face of his Father.
Perhaps you are in a wilderness right now. You may not be sure how you got there. You definitely are not sure of what is next. Let your wildernesses be places of preparation - for further tumult perhaps (The darkest hour is just before dawn) - but definitely for ultimate triumph. Though silent, God is with you in the wilderness. As did Ezekiel, through the tumult may you hear his 'still small voice,' bringing you to triumph.
Prayer: Jesus, I feel that I'm in a wilderness right now. Help me to trust in you even when I can't see you. To keep the faith even when it seems I have lost my way. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalms 103:1-5)
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