They Conquered

Revelation 15

Have you ever been at the center of an action; an action that you knew would change the lives of all who were part of that family, business, church, or even nation?  We call that being an insider, and the apostle John sure fits that description.  John sees seven angels with seven plagues; these are the final plagues of God’s wrath, their target is, the people of earth who turned down the gift of God’s love, His only Son, Jesus.

John goes on to share that he sees “what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire – and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.”  The ones standing are those who by faith overcame the beast and its image, they would not take his mark or bow down to his image, they put into practice this truth; “for everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1John 5:4)  These dear saints place their faith in the unseen God, and they overcame, no it was more than that; they conquered.

The enemy of God and of us has always had the offering of an image, for Jesus it was; “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”  Do you understand the offer, Satan is saying you do not have to die on a cross to win back the world; all you have to do is bow down and worship me.  You and I would be very wise to do what Jesus did; “Be gone, Satan!  For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Mt.4: 8-9)

I know you recall the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three men who were confronted by king Nebuchadnezzar to worship a golden image of the king, and this was their reply to the king about the punishment of death in a furnace.  “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18)

Satan’s images come in many forms, it maybe a women, a child, a job, or power over others, or even the ability to “Do it your way.”  I’ve sure fallen for his schemes and it always comes at a price that I am not willing to pay.  My prayer is that by faith in Christ, you will overcome the world.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice