“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
Revelation 21:7
Man was not created to sit around and do nothing. Even in the original “very good” world described in Genesis chapters one and two, man had meaningful work to do (Genesis 2:15). Man, even in his unfallen state, was built to exercise effort, to overcome resistance and to accomplish certain things. Even in the new heavens and earth, man will will be engaged in meaningful, God-honoring activity. John wrote concerning that blessed future state, “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). Living in the current dispensation requires the believer to overcome unique and serious challenges unknown in the original perfect world or in the promised new created order. The Lord’s final, inscripturated address to the church is found in the Book of Revelation, chapters two and three. There He instructs us to overcome cold-hardheartedness, false doctrine, corrupting influences, compromise, and the spirit of autonomy and self-sufficiency. These obstacles, which have been confronting and opposing God’s people throughout history, have become especially challenging in these last days. As we engage these challenges head-on, let us remember that we must do so in Christ’s strength, and for His glory. “He gives power to the weak,” wrote the prophet Isaiah, “And to those who have no might He increases strength (Isaiah 40:29). With pure motives, and with God-given courage, faithful ambassadors for Christ can expect real victories even as they traffic through hostile, enemy territory. Our Lord’s final address contains not only the command to overcome resistance and opposition, but promises of unfathomably great rewards for doing so. As we love and serve our God today, may we courageously overcome resistance and take ground for the kingdom. May this be done to the glory and honour of the great King of Kings, who redeemed us to Himself with His own blood, and who has promised us a magnificent inheritance, the half of which has not been told.
God bless you today, dear saints, in your God-honoring, kingdom building work!
Pastor John
English