How are you? How is your week going? Are you living in God’s grace and peace?
We started the book of Revelation this past Sunday. I don’t know about you, but it was such an encouraging reminder of God’s grace and peace for us today.
Later in this book, we will hear about the Lord’s rebuke to the churches. We will also see with vivid imagery the trial and tribulation for the church.
John does not speak about God’s grace and peace to us to deceitfully prepare us for the bad news. God’s grace and peace are the good news, and they are reality for us today.
This grace and peace come from God the Father who is and was and is to come. If you are feeling burdened by the past, the God who holds the past gives you grace and peace. If you are feeling anxious about the future, the God who holds the future gives you grace and peace. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the present, the God who holds the present (and who holds you in the present) gives you grace and peace.
Also, this grace and peace come from God the Holy Spirit who massages this grace and peace into our hearts.
Lastly, this grace and peace come from God the Son who has guaranteed them for us by His person and work. He is the faithful witness (Prophet) for us. He is the firstborn of the dead (Priest) for us. He is the ruler of the kings on earth (King) for us.
We can receive the grace and peace of God, because Jesus received the curse and wrath of God. We can receive God’s blessings in our obedience, because He received God’s curses in His obedience.
Through Christ, we have grace today. We can have peace today. We can rest in joy today.
Thank you for your prayers for my family and me. My parents flew in yesterday, and it’s been a joyful time with them. Pray that we may have restful vacation both physically and spiritually.
As a reminder, we will NOT have Friday Night Study this week. Also, this Sunday, we have the honor of having Pastor Tim Van Lant speak. Please do keep him and our worship in your prayers as well!
We will miss you guys. You are always in our prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
Image source: www.etsy.com