November 24th - Reflection

Revelation 14:6-13 (NRSV)
Hold fast to the faith
Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth to every nation and tribe and language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Then another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

Then another angel, a third, followed them, crying with a loud voice, "Those who worship the beast and its image, and receive a mark on their foreheads or on their hands, they will also drink the wine of God's wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of his anger, and they will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image and for anyone who receives the mark of its name."

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them."
Reflection
The eternal gospel... the last warning given to all people. I can be stubborn at times like all people, but at some time or another you have to repent. You have to admit your sin and repent. You have to seek forgiveness.

And God through Jesus has granted that forgiveness. So, in the eternal gospel, also comes eternal blessings for those who repent. "Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, what better time than now to listen and believe. What better time than now to repent. What better time than now for faith and love and hope. What better time than now to move from death to life in you. What better time than now! --- Amen