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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for March 2020
April 1, 2020
Revelation 6:9 – And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.
Thought: The opening of the fifth seal brings a stunning scene to the eyes of the apostle John. He does not see another horse. Instead, he sees souls. They were not just any souls, they were slain souls. They were martyrs. They had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Dear readers, our persecutors hate us. They despise our message. They will kill us in order to rid us from the earth. Are you ready to die for your Christian beliefs?
II Timothy 4:6-8
April 2, 2020
Revelation 6:10 – And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Thought: The righteous are often persecuted for living and proclaiming the truth. Sometimes they are killed. They understand that one day God will avenge these wrongs. The faithful martyrs John saw understood these things. Thus, they cried out: “How long, O Lord…dost thou not avenge our blood?” God’s timing and our timing are not always the same. We must trust Him. He will fulfill His promises. He will do what is right.
Hebrews 10:30
April 3, 2020
Revelation 6:11 – And white robes were give unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Thought: White is the symbol of purity and holiness. These souls were declared to be righteous by giving them white robes. However, they still needed to patiently wait on the Lord. They were exhorted to “rest yet for a little season. Others who would also be slain for the cause of Christ would soon join them. It is not easy to endure while evil abounds. We must trust God and wait on Him.
Isaiah 26:20-21
April 4, 2020
Revelation 6:12, 13 – And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake: and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became blood. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Thought: The symbols used in these two verses indicate coming calamity. There will be a period of extreme shaking indicated by the earthquake. It will be a time of deep sorrow and darkness. There would be warfare and the shedding of blood. People in high places of authority would fall as “the stars of heaven fell unto the earth.” This shaking would upset the natural order of all things. The church often has to face periods of hardship, persecution, and change. Trusting God is the key in such times.
Haggai 2:21-22
April 5, 2020
Revelation 6:14 – And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Thought: In Scripture, the nations are often described as heavens. Their power is stretched out over others. When the nation comes to an end, its heaven is rolled up like a scroll. The mountains and islands also represent strong nations throughout the world. When they come to an end, they are moved out of their places. Troubling times were coming to the world of the seven churches of Asia. Mighty powers were about to be shaken and removed. This would be done by God’s authority.
Isaiah 34:4
April 6, 2020
Revelation 6:15, 16 – And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bond man, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.
Thought: When God’s judgment comes upon mankind, even the greatest of men hide in fear. All who possessed riches, all who were powerful, all who were commanders, yea, all men, flee from God’s righteous judgment. They had rather face death than have to face the wrath of the Almighty. My friends, the day of God’s ultimate wrath will come. Will you flee from Him as an enemy? Or, will you run to Him as a child runs toward his loving father?
Psalm 2:10-12
April 7, 2020
Revelation 6:17 – For the great and terrible day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Thought: God’s judgment has come many times upon the earth. It came upon the earth in the days of Noah. It came upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. It came upon the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It came upon the Southern Kingdom of Israel. It came upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70. It will come again in the last day. The question that is asked is: “…and who shall be able to stand?” The answer is: “Those who side with God will stand. The righteous will stand.” Will you be in that number?
Isaiah 13:9
April 8, 2020
Revelation 7:1 – And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Thought: The readers eagerly anticipate the opening of the seventh seal. Instead, there is an interlude. John sees four angels standing on the four corners of the earth and holding the four winds of the earth. At the time, their destructive forces are being withheld from the earth. Again, destruction comes with God’s timing. Each day that judgment is withheld sinful man has an opportunity to repent.
Jeremiah 49:35-36
April 9, 2020
Revelation 7:2, 3 – And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Thought: The seal of God marks all of those who truly belong to God. This seal protects them from the wrath of God to be poured out on the wicked and ungodly. Those who belong to God are special. They have been bought with a price. They live lives of holiness and righteousness. They stand for truth. They are willing to die for the Lord’s cause. God cherishes them. He will not avenge the earth until His saints are under His arm of refuge.
Exodus 12:12-13
April 10, 2020
Revelation 7:4 – And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Thought: There have been some who have taken this number literally. They tell us that there will only be one hundred forty-four thousand people in heaven. Not so! Among the Jews, numbers were very important. One of the perfect numbers was the number twelve. One hundred forty-four thousand is a multiple of twelve. It is a large multiple. Thus, is represents all of the saved. NOTE: If the number is literal, then all of those going to heaven are also from the twelve tribes. Again, this is not so.
Revelation 14:1
April 11, 2020
Revelation 7:5, 6 – Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Thought: Before God allows His wrath to come upon the world, He first seals His people. The number of those sealed was said to be one hundred forty-four thousand. Some take this number literally. They believe that this will be the total number of those who reside in heaven. If the number is literal, are we to believe that all of them are Jews? The inspired writer tells us that each of the twelve tribes has twelve thousand who will form the larger number? Thus, no Christian will be in heaven. (?)
Exodus 1:1-7
April 12, 2020
Revelation 7:7, 8 – Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Thought: If these twelve tribes are not literal Israel, then who are they? Under the new covenant, God has a new Israel. This new Israel is the church for which Jesus died. They are the people of God. They are the ones in a covenant relationship with God. They are the children of Abraham. The Israel of the Old Testament was a type or shadow of the new Israel of the New Testament. The sealing of the one hundred forty-four thousand of the twelve tribes of Israel indicate that all Christians will be saved.
Romans 2:28-29
April 13, 2020
Revelation 7:9 – After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.
Thought: John sees another vision. What he saw was “a great multitude, which no man could number.” These individuals came from a diversity of cultures. Notice where these individuals were. They “stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.” They are in heaven. They are clothed with white robes and have palms in their hands. These are the same people John had seen in the first vision. This time they are represented with a different figure. They are God’s people, the saved.
Genesis 13:16
April 14, 2020
Revelation 7:10 – And cried with a loud voice, saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb.
Thought: One of the things for which the redeemed will give thanks when they are in their final destination is salvation. Their hope has been brought to fruition. Their obedience has been rewarded. Their souls are completely secure for an eternity. It was God who made this blessing possible. Truly, they should cry out with a loud voice saying: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb.” Dear readers, the magnitude of this blessing is hard for us to comprehend.
Psalm 68:19-20
April 15, 2020
Revelation 7:11 – And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.
Thought: Humans pride themselves on large worship services. Megachurches get a lot of attention because of the huge numbers that assemble. Youth groups love to go to rallies where large numbers of young people come together for worship. Some churches hold joint services with other churches from time to time. Many comments are made about the great numbers who worshipped. Heaven will be the ultimate experience, however, men, angels, elders, and beasts will prostrate before the throne of God.
Psalm 148:1-2
April 16, 2020
Revelation 7:12 – Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Thought: God can never be praised enough by His creation. He is certainly due “blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might. “ He should be praised for who He is. He should be praised for what He has done. He should be praised for He has not done. Man just cannot comprehend the majesty of God. We try, but we fall short. Yes, we know He is great, but we cannot comprehend how great. But, what we do know still causes us to bow before His greatness.
Psalm 95:2
April 17, 2020
Revelation 7:13 – And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Thought: Questions which are posed to us can be very difficult to answer. Sometimes they are asked by those who know we do not know the answer. Questions like this are posed for our learning. It takes honesty and courage to say: “I do not know.” At that point, however, we are open to hear the answer. Many times, the answer stays with us. We do not forget it. Dear reader, there is nothing wrong with not knowing an answer. Just be open to the answer. In our text, John will be.
Job 38:1-3
April 18, 2020
Revelation 7:14 – And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Thought: John continues to be taught about the things of God. Those who are wearing the white robes are they who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The blood of Christ cleansed their robes and made them pure. These had been in the great tribulation. Now, they were out of it. For God’s children, trials, tribulation, and persecution eventually end. For the faithful, they end in victory.
I Peter 1:18-19
April 19, 2020
Revelation 7:15 – Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Thought: The cleansed, the faithful, and the victorious will find themselves before the throne of God. All of their sacrifices and sufferings will be rewarded. Now, they will serve God day and night in His temple. His presence shall now literally dwell among them. It is difficult for Christians now to fathom the splendor they will experience then. We try to imagine it, but cannot fully. Now, we hold tightly to that blessing with abiding faith.
Psalm 134:1-2
April 20, 2020
Revelation 7:16 – They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun shine on them, nor any heat.
Thought: John presents us with some of the blessings of our ultimate salvation. We will no longer have to worry about being hungry or thirsty. At some point in our lives, all of us have had to deal with these basic cravings. It may have been for minutes or hours or days. It was a period of suffering for us. We have also had to experience the heat of the sun upon our heads. We were hot. We were sweaty. We were tired. We faced exhaustion. None of these discomforts will afflict us in the hereafter.
John 19:28
April 21, 2020
Revelation 7:17 – For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Thought: The reason the redeemed will not hunger is because the Lamb of God shall feed them. Too, they will not thirst because the Lamb will lead them unto living fountains of waters. Living fountains are cool and clean and deeply refreshing. In addition, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” The sufferings of the tribulation will be gone. They will never experience sorrow again. These words of the Revelation are designed to help us have some understanding of our eternal experiences.
Psalm 23:1-3
April 22, 2020
Revelation 8:1 – And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Thought: We have been anticipating the opening of the seventh. When it is opened, we continue in anticipation. “There was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” This is much different from the revelations of the previous seals. What is revealed in this seal causes all of heaven to be awestruck. A half an hour may not seem like a long time, but when all are standing in complete silence, it is.
Psalm 62:1
April 23, 2020
Revelation 8:2 – And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
Thought: Angels are created beings, but they are supernatural. They are a little higher than man in the creation order. The term “angel” means “messenger. There are times when it refers to men who are messengers. John sees the seven angels. Each one was given a trumpet. They will blow these trumpets and more revelation from God will be given. John must have been both nervous and excited as God’s message was revealed. We, too, should be both nervous and excited as we study God’s holy Word.
Amos 3:6-8
April 24, 2020
Revelation 8:3 – And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Thought: John also sees a second angel. His actions show us the importance of the prayers of God’s people. He was carrying a golden censer. He was also given much incense. This incense was to be offered with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God. The aroma of these prays would be smelled by God as a sweet-smelling savour. In essence, prayer is a sacrifice which pleases the heavenly Father. May we never forget to pray.
Psalm 141:2
April 25, 2020
Revelation 8:4 – And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
Thought: Prayer is not a wasted activity. Every prayer that is prayed by God’s people ascends up before God. God’s ear hears the words. God’s heart records what is said. Once the prayer had been monitored by God, He responds appropriately on behalf of His children. Sometimes He says, “Yes.” Sometimes He says: “No.” At other times, He says: “Wait.” He might also say: “No, but try this.” Regardless of the His answer, let all of God’s children rest assured that He hears.
Psalm 17:6
April 26, 2020
Revelation 8:5- And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
Thought: After the censer has offered the prayers of the saints unto God, it is then used for another purpose. The angel fills it with fire from the altar and casts it upon the earth. Fire is indicative of judgment. This judgment would create havoc on the earth. Thus, John sees “voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Often God’s judgment lingers. But, when His judgment comes, it shakes the earth. It impacts all of the world.
Isaiah 30:30
April 27, 2020
Revelation 8:6 – And the angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Thought: The revelation from God up to this point has been profound, but it has been somewhat general in nature. The seven angels, however, are now about to sound the trumpets. The revelation will continue to be intense, but it will be more specific in nature. God will speak of judgment to come upon the earth. He warns his servants so they can make preparation for it. God does not want His people to be unaware of what is going to shortly come to pass.
Revelation 1:1
April 28, 2020
Revelation 8:7 – The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
Thought: This angel is the first of seven to blow the trumpet. When the trumpet sounded, John saw hail and fire mingled with blood cast upon the earth. Hail and fire are weapons of judgment that God uses upon sinful people. Our minds recall Sodom and Gomorrah and the land of Egypt in the time of Moses. This judgment of God was effective. The third part of the trees were burnt up, and all the green grass was burnt up. God’s judgments are sure and accomplish the exact end He intends.
Exodus 9:23-25
April 29, 2020
Revelation 8:8 – And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood.
Thought: Mountains are strong and powerful. They are often places of refuge for the weak and fearful. Thus, mountains were used as symbols of strong and powerful nations. The mountain that John saw after the second angel sounded was burning with fire, perhaps like a volcanic mountain. It had erupted and was cast into the sea. Its destructive force caused a third part of the sea to become blood. God often uses nations against nations to bring judgment upon those who are evil.
Jeremiah 27:6
April 30, 2020
Revelation 8:9 – And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died: and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
Thought: This judgment of God would have devastating effects on the economy. The sea provided a lucrative income for many. Ships both large and small sailed upon the sea in search of fish, crab, and shrimp. Ships also traveled through the seas taking merchandise from one part of the world to another. If a third part of the sea creatures and the ships were destroyed, the effects would be felt locally and throughout the world. We can rest assured that God’s judgments are intended to hurt.
Isaiah 2:12-16
Read devotionals for May 2020