Ever wonder what God’s “State of the Union” would be? The President addressed both houses of Congress and the nation Monday evening, delivering his seventh and final State of the Union address. Fifty-three minutes of speech interrupted seventy times by applause—both partisan and bipartisan. There were no spectacular pronouncements or announcements, just the last review, pundits suggested, of a presidency and administration laying out its final agenda before becoming eclipsed by the election of a successor.
So what if God took the podium of earth and gave an address? No doubt there would be plenty of partisan applause- or amen-bursts for him, too. And no doubt it would garner global attention. But how would his review of the past read, and how would his agenda for the future play? And would he need fifty-three minutes?
The Apocalypse, amazingly enough, actually captures God’s final address-appeal to earth. While it doesn’t describe him at the podium of a government house, it portrays his global address as three angel beings streaking across the earth heavens, each with a passionate pronouncement and appeal. Combined they are clearly the divine State of the Union for earth’s populace in its final generation. “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7 NKJV). And behind the first angel appears a second pronouncing the fall of “
Babylon the Great.” And on his heels flies a third angel with the urgent warning for earth inhabitants to resist the “mark of the beast.” And the summation of their combined messages is a description of God’s partisan loyalists at the end: “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” (Revelation 14:12 NRSV).
And did you catch the first angel’s appeal, “Worship the Creator!” Because wouldn’t you know it, the issue of a divine Creator with his seventh-day Sabbath will take center stage on earth just before his return. No wonder the Creator’s partisan loyal supporters are described the way they are! Because as we saw Monday evening, when you’re loyal to your Leader, you’ll stand to your feet even if you’re the only one applauding.
Post by: Pr Dwight K. Nelson
"Alive". The promise of that word no doubt swept over the disciples as a golden ray of precious hope. Since the tragic events of good Friday, none of the disciples had been able to come to grips with their lives and their mission in the shadow of the cross. It all seemed hopeless. It all seemed pointless. But this news that Jesus was still ALIVE revived the hopes they had once had for the Master. "The angels told us," the women continued, "we saw and heard them with our very own eyes!" And yet still, the disciples could not accept the validity of their testimony completely.
And so it is today. While many a sounding forth the gladsome tidings, millions upon millions of people reject their news. Impossible, they say. But friends, He is ALIVE! The grave is empty. And because He lives, we can face tomorrow. And one day soon, we too, in the same way the disciples were able to visibly see their risen Lord, yes, we too will see Him. Face to face.
What a day that will be! I want to be there - don't you? And the Lord promises that we can be there - but we must see Him today. How? Through the eyes of faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Elsewhere, we are encouraged to walk by faith and not by sight. What is faith? A simple definition would be this: faith is not belief without proof, it is trust without reservation. Have you entrusted your life to the Lord Jesus? Why not make right now the right time to take that step. Jesus is waiting for you.
Post by: Charissa Fong
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