Nearing Journey’s End

Many a time I've read through the Bible in a year. In January of this year I began a trip through a single book, Revelation, to see what it might reveal not about end times, but about the Person of Jesus and His bride.

And the spiritual battle was on. By late January, overwhelmed by circumstances, I retreated.

I'd already been embroiled in a spiritual battle which began in the summer of 2009, sharply escalating in August. (Was it only a coincidence that I began work on a book dedicated to the names of God in August?)

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"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
~ Revelation 1:3 (NKJV)

The book of Revelation is unique among Bible books in this declaration. The book is ducked by many churches, and altogether forbidden reading in some countries which permit the rest of the Bible. Some people have objected to its inclusion as Scripture.

I began the study afresh July 26th, when I felt strong enough to battle again. And it has continued to be a battle. I have pushed forward without retreat this time. I'm no expert in spiritual warfare. But I know without doubt that every component of spiritual armor is critical—truth, righteousness, preparation with the Gospel, faith, the salvation of Jesus' lordship, deploying God's Word, and prayer. I know that satan will go to any length to make us curse God rather than bless Him. I know that God neither leaves nor forsakes His own.

Tomorrow, God permitting, I will conclude the study with the last chapter of Revelation, and of the Bible. I have prevailed.

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"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."
~ Revelation 21:3-5 (NKJV)

In this second to last chapter, nearing journey's end, we have come full circle from perfect creation, through rebellion and Calvary and Hell, back to perfection.

I wonder at the phrase, "God will wipe away every tear." Does it mean no tears? Or that we are permitted only tears of joy which the finger of God gently wipes away? And what would it feel like to have Him wipe away tears with His hand rather than with His words, as He does now?

Peeking ahead, to tomorrow's last chapter, I think about one day knowing Him as He knows us now. And I think of us being already sealed with the Holy Spirit.

And I think of saints casting down their golden crowns before the throne, because we shall wear upon our heads something of infinitely greater worth than even a golden crown of Heaven:

They shall see His face,
and His name shall be on their foreheads.
~ Revelation 22:4 (NKJV)

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Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.