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Monday February 2 - Beyond the open door ...there before me was a door standing open in heaven. Revelation 4:1
Imagine showing someone who was desperately hungry an open door, through which could be seen the most exotic, sumptuous mouth-watering banquet ever prepared. You can imagine how overjoyed they would be!
Revelation is that open door for spiritual hunger. This book was written to the first- century Christians, who were in a time of severe persecution as the early church was becoming established. On the earth they were oppressed, and life was extremely difficult and dangerous for them. The dazzling glory, colour and joy of heaven described in chapter 4 of Revelation is intended to delight and reward their spiritual senses, with a view of what is to come after such hardship. It would have given them such an incredible sense of hope!
The aim is for the readers to fix their eyes on what is to come, in order to help them endure an impoverished state in the present. Even Jesus needed that encouragement! Hebrews 12:2 shows us that by focusing on the joy that was to come, Jesus was empowered to endure the cross.
Beautiful art is often used as therapy for people who need inner healing, and Revelation 4 is like art therapy! The artistic impression that John creates floods the hungry spirit with hope and joy! He encourages and empowers the reader to endure their persecution by seeing the beauty of Jesus!
Lord Jesus, please show me your beauty, to bring hope when I feel despair. Amen.
Tuesday February 3 - The trumpet voice
The voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet... Revelation 4:1
Imagine the sound of a trumpet. Its tone calls its hearers to attention. The sound is rich and powerful – a symbol of authority. The trumpet is often used for victorious celebratory moments, to command respect and instil a sense of honour. When John says Jesus’ voice is like the sound of a trumpet, this is the effect that that voice is creating!
This is one of the clearest visual expressions of Jesus’ divine nature in the whole Bible. The gospels show us much more of his human side, and although this helps us connect with Jesus on a personal level we must not forget that he is Lord – he is King of kings. In understanding Jesus’ humanity, we must not reduce his divinity.
The reason it’s so important to understand his divinity is that it shows us to whom we are praying. When I pray and plead with Jesus for something that is on my heart, I love knowing that he truly holds all authority and commands respect and reverence in his answer. It gives a sense of safety, in knowing that I am praying to the one who truly can respond to my prayers in the best way I need.
Lord Jesus, I uphold you as my divine King and give you authority over everything I pray for. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY