Revelation 20 - 3.13.25
Revelation 20:11-15
S - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
O – At the judgment, the books will be opened. The book of life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them. These books also contain the recorded deeds of everyone, good or evil. Everyone’s life will be reviewed and evaluated. No one is saved by deeds, but deeds are seen as clear evidence of a person’s actual relationship with God. Jesus will look at how we have handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. Gods gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience and service. Each of us must serve Christ in the best way we know how and live each day knowing the books will one day be opened and that the lake of fire is the final destination for everything wicked.
A - Revelations is intense and often over my head. But this portion stands out every time I read it and makes me take a closer look at my life and the lives of those around me. I want NO part of the destination for the wicked! I am confident in my salvation, as I have Accepted Him as my Savior, Believed that Christ died for me, and Confessed my sins to Him, and continue to do so. I still can’t help getting the picture of God standing there, holding the book open to my life, and wondering what He will see? Will He see a life fully devoted to Him, or one that just skimmed the Christian life, living mostly for my own fleshly desires and giving Him a bit of my time? Or will He see a woman fully devoted to the things of God and His people? How many of my friends and family still don’t know Him? Still don’t Accept, Believe or Confess in Him? I am filled with dread at the thought they would be thrown into the lake of fire! So what am I doing about it? Am I living the life of a true disciple?
Matthew 7:21-23 - 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Matthew 7:21-23 speaks of a truth that may seem uncomfortable. In these verses, Jesus reminds His listeners that saying the right words isn’t enough to secure a place in His kingdom; rather, it is about doing the will of the Father. Many might profess their allegiance verbally, even exhibiting impressive spiritual feats, yet might find themselves unrecognized by Christ because their lives contradict their professions. This passage packs a cautionary message: Genuine discipleship transcends outward expressions and rests in a heart aligned with God’s will. (biblestorieshub.com)
P – Lord Jesus, I pray that my heart is always aligned with Your will. I pray for myself and the many in my shoes, that we step out in BOLDNESS to share the love of Christ with others in our circles before You get to the judgement days. Help us to walk in the confidence of Your love and power as we share the Gospel with those we love, with those we meet on the streets, in the store, sitting on the bleachers at a sports event. May we not be the reason anyone is thrown into the lake of fire, and help us to save as many as we possibly can in the name of Jesus!
- Crystal Flory
