Victory

The Bible is all about victory.  All through the Bible we see people struggling in all kinds of ways.  In the Old Testament, there are struggles and difficulties from the first people, Adam and Eve, on.  And it can be said that the primary reason for all of the problems that people face is due to sin.  Sin entered the world during the time of Adam and Eve, and it has persisted in being a problem since.  We see this in the Jewish people of God throughout the OT; over and over they fell into trouble because they didn't put their trust in God.

When we come to the time of Jesus, as reported in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we see that the Jewish religion is a mess.  They are not following the true Jewish Law as given to them by God; and Jesus was strong in telling them so. 

Then as people began to believe in Jesus, to follow Him, and to become Christians, as we read in the book of Acts, they started struggling with persecution.  The Jews and the Roman government were persecuting Christians in terrible ways; beating them, having them jailed, and often having them killed.  Persecution was a horrible and fearful thing for the Christians.

In the New Testament, we see many statements given to provide the Christians hope and strength in the face of all this.  It seems that the book of Revelation was written to give them confidence that victory was coming.  It would not be necessarily in this life, but it was coming.  The book shows the evil of Satan, the devil; but it shows that God will overcome for those who follow Him.

In Revelation chapter 7, beginning with verse 9, we see a strong statement made to show that victory is coming.  It shows God's followers eventually ending up in heaven, and describes those who are victorious.  Verse 14, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple.  And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."  Victory in Jesus......to those who follow Him.

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week.......and feel the love.