Here is the perseverance of the saints - Rev 14:12 Starting in chapter 12, we see the long struggle between Satan and Jesus, between good and evil. Satan loses. Every time. No matter who is used by Satan, the outcome is the same.
Hence we see God’s people, the 144,000 standing with the victorious Lamb. Instead of the mark of the beast, they have the name of the Father on their foreheads. They are the purchased possession, they are undefiled, the church of the first-born. It has not been easy as they have been opposed throughout their lives on earth.
The scene then changes, and we see the end of those who have given in and worshiped the beast. They have his mark on their forehead. They will drink of the cup of God’s wrath. They will be tormented. They have no rest day and night.
Then we read: “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).
Discipleship can be, and often is, difficult! Daily the opposition is there. Daily the choices of who we will follow confront us. Such relentless onslaught against our faith can wear us down. We are tempted to think, wrongly think, if we just give in and go with the flow of the world then our problems will all end.
This is not a new struggle. Long ago the Psalmist wrote:
1 Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart!
2 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death, And their body is fat.
5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like mankind. (Psalms 73:1-5)
But the Solution to this struggle is also not new:
16 When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight
17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end. Psalms 73:16-17
HERE is the perseverance of the saints: we see the END. God has set before us life and death. Look not at the struggle but the conclusion. Set your sight on the goal. Keep looking to Jesus and the victory and joy that He will provide. Look not at the temporal and temporary problems, but the eternal life in the presence of God that Jesus offers.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
How are you doing with your struggles? Are you being faithful to Jesus?
Hugh DeLong
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