The AMI QT Devotionals from June 12-18 are written by Pastor Andrew Kim at Tapestry Church. Andrew, a graduate of Eternity Bible College, is currently attending Fuller Theological Seminary. He and Jessie were married in 2014.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
Revelation 7:13-17
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
In the early 1900’s, there was great optimism about where the world was headed. Many believed that through the ingenuity and creativity of human beings, it was only a matter of time before a utopian society would be ushered in. However, this optimism was short-lived. In a matter of a few decades, two world wars had devastated the world, leaving countries in ruins and people in a state of shock. Instead of seeing the human potential to cultivate a world defined by welfare, people experienced the human potential for destruction. With millions dead, it was clear that the world was not getting better. Ironically, humanity’s endeavor to resolve the world’s most profound issues led to the bloodiest century known to man. It seems that we have always attempted to usher in a perfect world, to find effective solutions to man’s ills, and bring lasting change. But because of sin, this has been an impossible task. All of man’s attempts have fallen short and the world is still filled with strife.
One of the most profound truths we find in the book of Revelation is that God is also at work to bring about lasting change. But unlike us, the promise of renewal is guaranteed to come to pass. It is not a matter of if but a matter of when. Here in Revelation 7, we see a glimpse of what the future holds for those who belong to God. There will be a day where there are no more tears and no more hunger. You see, this vision was a source of encouragement for the recipients of this letter. As the early church attempted to build a world reflecting the values of the kingdom, it was a difficult task. At times, it would have seemed pointless and too daunting to continue in this journey. However, the vision of Revelation promises that their work and perseverance will not be in vain; that not even death could undermine the value of their toil. In the end, they will be brought to a place where they will find true rest, where there will be no more thirst and be led to springs of living water. Let us take time to reflect on this vision and find a reenergizing hope to help us to continue to fight the good fight of faith, because in the end, it will not go in vain!
Prayer: Father, I confess that it is difficult to live out the calling you have given to all of us. At times, it seems that our hard work for your kingdom does not make a difference and it can be discouraging. But this morning, we invite You to fill our hearts with a future hope that gives us a renewed sense of energy for the work before us. May my life be marked by a perseverance and faithfulness when it comes to the work of your kingdom, knowing in the end, the world you desire will come to pass. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Romans 14