12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
“There was never yet philosopher that could bear the toothache patiently.” That line from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing says a lot about our intentions. We all say we would be tough under persecution but circumstances dictate our attitudes and actions. A stoic philosopher will tell you what he really thinks of you if he is in pain. John’s vision of the Apocalypse included this call for faith and perseverance from those that would suffer. Some scholars argue that this is speaking of the Great Tribulation but it is certain that the promise is true for all believers. There were many dying for the faith in the first century when John wrote this and the blessing is for those who bear it patiently.
Times are getting harder for Christians in closed countries all over the world who face death on a daily basis. These verses are for them. We face trials and temptations of a different sort but the promise is ours also. Bear it patiently. Keep your eyes on that day and this day with its troubles will pass quickly enough. When we see Jesus, we will find rest for our weary souls and broken bodies. We will receive blessings untold when we keep our heads and press on to finish the race. Keep the commandments and the faith and you will be…
Blessed indeed.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church