And now, the rest of the story...

Revelation 13:10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. NIV

This verse comes during a phase in earth's history when evil will rule. You might say "well, I think if evil isn't ruling its doing a great job of back seat driving!" and this is true. But there is coming a time when the worst things you can possibly imagine will be commonplace.

As God prepares to return to earth He prepares the earth for His return. This includes allowing the powers of darkness to be unleashed as never before. Those powers will be focused primarily on wiping out anyone who belongs to God on earth. I believe during this period, known as the Great Tribulation, that those of us who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior will be snatched off this rock and will be enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb.

But there will also be many who come to Christ during this period, when environmental disaster, the forces of man, and the forces of darkness all seem to have become the norm. Being a Christian during this time will be awful. I think that's why John wrote the words above. He is sending a message to those Tribulation Saints that bad things are going to happen. They might be killed or taken captive by the Beast. But what he is saying is for them to hang on, for the Lord will be their ultimate rescuer.

Here is the end for those that give their hearts to Jesus at this time:

Revelation 20:4-6 Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. ESV

So if you know Him, rejoice that you are going to be with Him, and live a life that echos His character now so that many who do not know Him will also escape these times. If you don't yet know Jesus then get to know Him now. A little humbleness will allow you to escape terrible times later; times that make today's disasters look like nothing.

Pastor Tom