Revelation Part 58
We must be willing to endure trials, persecution, and even the possibility of death while maintaining our hope in the life to come.
Revelation 12 gives us a sobering view of the spiritual conflict behind the events of the end times. We see Satan's opposition, the persecution of God's people, the heavenly battle, and the certainty of God's ultimate victory. Yet the chapter is not given to us merely to satisfy our curiosity about future events. It is also meant to shape how we live now.
Revelation 1:3 pronounces a blessing on the one who reads the words of the prophecy, those who hear them, and those who keep what is written in it. Understanding prophecy should lead to faithful action. We are not simply supposed to learn what will happen. We are called to prepare ourselves spiritually for the future and to live according to God's will in the present.
Jesus' Olivet prophecy, including His teaching in Luke 21, repeatedly emphasizes the need to watch and pray. We must remain vigilant, seek understanding, and ask God for the wisdom and strength necessary to endure. We should pray for alignment with His will and for the courage to face whatever challenges He permits. Our prayer should be that we do not fail either God or those who look to us for an example.
We must also consider what it means to be worthy of the calling we have received. We should align our lives with God's will, become true disciples who learn to live like their Teacher and develop an identity rooted in God's Kingdom rather than in the values of this present world. We are called to put on the new man or woman and allow God to transform our thinking, character, and conduct.
That transformation may require suffering. We must be willing to endure trials, persecution, and even the possibility of death while maintaining our hope in the life to come. Revelation 3:17 counsels us to buy from Christ gold refined in the fire, reminding us that spiritual riches require a genuine relationship with Him rather than reliance upon our own perceived sufficiency. Acts 14:22 likewise teaches that “through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.” We must learn patience, endure faithfully, and possess our souls through perseverance.
We should therefore prepare now. Preparation is not simply knowing the prophetic sequence or identifying the characters in Revelation. It means developing the faith, obedience, discernment, and courage necessary to remain loyal to God when circumstances become difficult.
2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds us that we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We are to implore others on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to God and to escape the judgment that is coming. Our understanding of prophecy should deepen our concern for others and strengthen our determination to live as faithful representatives of God's Kingdom.
2 Peter 3:10-14 asks us to consider what kind of people we ought to be in light of the coming judgment and the passing away of the present order. If these things are going to be dissolved, then our priorities must be shaped by what is eternal. We should pursue holiness, remain faithful, and be diligent as we look forward to God's promises.
The message of Revelation 12 is ultimately one of confidence in God's sovereignty. Satan's power is limited, his time is short, and his attempts to overthrow God's purpose will fail. Jesus Christ will reign. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Him now, to resist the adversary, to keep God's commandments, to hold fast to the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to be ready for the Kingdom we have been called to inherit.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
