The Daily Word: Tuesday, December 28th, 2021
Zechariah 12:1-13:9
Revelation 19:1-21
Psalm 147:1-20
Proverbs 31:1-7
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. – Rev. 19:20
Scripture doesn’t always tell us what we want to hear; but it does always tell us what we need to hear. The verse above describes Armageddon: the final battle between good and evil. In verse 19, the armies “gathered together” to make war against Jesus. By verse 20, the battle is already over. The beast, along with the false prophet who deceived everyone with the mark of the beast, were “cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.” Their punishment would never cease: they would burn forever and ever, until the end of time.
But don’t forget that you become like the things & people you worship. Speaking of false gods and idols, Psalm 115:8 says,
Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.
The sober reality is this: the men and women who follow the beast will end up just like him. The men and women who are tricked by Satan into rejecting Jesus will end up in the same final resting place. Don’t believe me? Note how Scripture describes the final judgment for everyone who has ever lived:
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. – Rev. 21:15
If you receive Jesus as your Savior, you will be “hidden” in Him (Col. 3:3). You will be spared, separated from your sin (Ps. 103:12), and welcomed into Heaven with open arms. But if you reject Him, you will meet the fate you deserve for your sin. You will burn for all eternity.
If that makes you afraid, good. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 9:10). Jesus, by His infinite mercy and love, has made a way for you to escape the fate you rightfully deserve for your sin. Forsake all else and cling to Him, because your eternal life depends on it.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched… – Mk. 9:43
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making a way for me to be spared from eternal damnation by the Cross of Jesus Christ! You brought me to life; and through sin and rebellion I strayed from Your commandments. But today I repent of my sin! I receive Jesus as Lord. Help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to cling to Jesus and to forsake all else, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.