READING: Revelation 20-22
It’s probably not a surprise to you that the Bible does not end with a focus on the devil. It didn’t begin there, it doesn’t focus there, and it doesn’t end there. Sure, it gives us the great word that in the end, the devil will be bound for a certain period of time and then ultimately “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Rev 20:10). Death and Hades will then join them (Rev 20:14) – and the enemy and all his effects will have come to an end.
The final chapters of the Bible, then, focus not on the war, but on the victory. The spotlight is turned again on Jesus, who is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,” the One who provides springs of living water forever (Rev 21:6). Even the extended picture of heaven is not about what we get when we get there; it’s about Who is there. There is no sanctuary there, for “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary” (Rev 21:22). The city needs no sun or moon, as “its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev 21:23). Central in that city is the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1-3), and nothing profane will ever enter it (Rev 21:27).
The enemy will be cast down once and for all and forever. The One born of a woman will have crushed the head of the serpent.
The Son will reign.
Thus, it seems appropriate to end these devotions this year with the words that conclude the Bible:
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (Rev 22:20-21)
Amen, indeed.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for His Word.
- Jesus is coming again. Consider, then, this thought: if you were to stand before Christ tomorrow, how would you change your life today?
PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for the victory. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Read your favorite verses in the Bible, and then prepare to begin your annual reading plan again on January 1.