12.4 Revelation – On the Right Path

On the Right Path

I was in a meeting once with one of the top leaders of BSF.  She was discussing the barrage of problems and barriers that came up, one after another, as BSF attempted to eliminate bible illiteracy in an oppressed part of the world.  As soon as one problem was overcome, a dozen more popped up.

She concluded the discussion of the problems by saying, “so we know we are on the right track!”

If you are going along with the direction of the world, a direction of conformity to sin, why would the world stand in opposition to you?  In fact, the world and evil are more likely to aid you, oil the skids, and help you along your way, at least to the point of no return.  But if you are doing work for the Kingdom of God, the world stands in your path to block you.

This is the same work and same obstructions that Jesus undertook.  Why would your path be easier than Christ’s?

But, too often, we don’t think like this.  Instead of seeing resistance as something that God allows for us to build our spiritual muscles, we want to shriek out in fear and frustration to God for Him to just make it go away.  That is why, over and over again, the bible instructs us to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid.  God is spotting us.  He is our personal trainer.  He is allowing us the honor of being a part of His plan and, swimming up-stream, is going to be a lot harder than floating down river.  But when we grow weary, He brings us into the boat and carries us forward.  He is our strength.

Even if the opposition and persecution leads to our physical death, it still has not won.  The martyrs have a voice in the very throne room of God.  Their voices and yearnings are one of the seals of the great day of the Lord.  Their cries and rewards in heaven are part of God’s delivery of wrath on the world.

My Answers:

9.
a.
the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained

b.
Remove lies and deceit from the world.  Remove injustice and hatred, Remove greed and lust.  Remove oppression.

10.
a.
Wait until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been

b.
priestly robes, wedding garments, robes of salvation and purity

11.
a.
It is used by God to build us (as resistance does to muscles), it is not to be feared, it brings shame not to you but to those who perpetrate it.  Christ suffered and it is a blessing to participate in His suffering (shows the spirit is on you because he is target)

b.
There is always more than hope, there is assurance that better times are to come with full restoration plus more

c.
God controls it.  It is a sign that you are on the right path and the spirit is working in your life.