Coffee With The Lord

Reflecting today on a wonderful heavenly scene that one day, I’d love to participate in…

Apostle John described what he saw in Revelation 7…

“I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of [God’s heavenly] throne and before the Lamb [their Savior, Jesus]. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, ‘Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!’

“And all the angels were standing around the throne… And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.’

Some of you know of my love, concern, and prayers for persecuted Christians… Because of that this next part of the passage is especially is significant to me…

“Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, ‘Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?… Then he said to me, ‘These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.’” (From Revelation 7:9–17 NLT)

Revelation is a wonderful book! It provides a glimpse of the future for us – we have an opportunity to participate in the heavenly drama – it is as if the drapes of earth are pulled and John lets us see what will take place on the other side – Heaven! Eternity, if you please!

Can I be a voice that urges you to read these words again… slowly, savoring what they describe? Oh, I want to be a participant in this grand scene! I want to be a part of the throng that sings this song – that participates in this worship! And because I am part of the redeemed from all ages – all nations – all races and people groups who know Christ as Savior and Lord, I will be! And so will all those who have suffered and given their lives in service and testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ! “Faithful unto death!”

What a scene as we approach the new year! Eh?

The Bible is filled with stories of this reality!

Getting “right with God” is a wonderful thing – the New Testament calls it “justification” – it isn’t earned (it can’t be), it is graciously given to the undeserving. But the impact of being made “right with God” through faith in Jesus Christ our Savior bleeds over (and influences) EVERYTHING! It pops up in a multitude of ways in our lives! Ingratitude is out! And a life of thankfulness and appreciation for “God’s favor” takes its place!

But that’s not all… the collateral impact of “favor with God” is often experienced as “favor with man!” Joseph enjoyed it! Daniel experienced it! And many in the ancient Church experienced it (despite persecution)! The Bible says, “Day by day they attended the temple together, breaking bread in their homes, receiving their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47) But the prime example for us is our Savior as a young man. The Bible says of Him, “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man!” (Luke 2:52)

What prompted this reflection you ask? Well in my Bible reading today, during my time of “coffee with the Lord,” I read these words about Ezra, an exile in Babylon who lived out his faith in a pagan, adversarial environment: He felt led to return to Jerusalem with other exiled Jews to rebuild the temple that had been destroyed in Jerusalem. God performed a miracle of “favor” – “favor with God and man” – Darius, the pagan king allowed him to return, with other exiled Jews, and provided everything needed to accomplish the task! Ezra responded with thanksgiving! He said, “Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the [pagan] king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem! And praise Him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles! I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord was upon me!” (Ezra 7:27-28 NLT)

I gotta tell you… I want to live in such a way that I enjoy “the favor of God and man!’ This Christmas season, I’m reminded of the message of the angelic host at the first Christmas… “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people! Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord… Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is well pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14) Oh the possibility of “favor with God and man!” Praise the Lord!

Re-posting this from one year ago… Just think we need the reminder… Elizabeth and Mary captured what Christmas ought to produce in us!

A pic highlighting what Christmas ought to generate in the heart of God’s people – heartfelt worship!!!… Mary’s Song – the “Magnificat”…

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant! For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name! His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation! (From Luke 1:46–55 ESV)