In Revelation 14:8-13, we once again are presented with passages of Scripture that remind us of the importance of seeing the “Big Picture” in life. By big picture I mean seeing things from God’s perspective and not man’s.
We are reminded that all of the kingdoms of this world and their glory will one day fade and fall, only to become the kingdoms of our Lord and Jesus Christ, over which He shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). It is so easy to think that life as we know it will last forever, but Peter reminds us that there is coming a day “in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10)
It is so easy to look at all of this world’s wealth and “glory” and be tempted to “go for it” (Luke 4:5,6). But, the response of Jesus is the response that must ours as well: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:8) God’s Word provides us with that eternal perspective. Although he was an Old Testament saint, the testimony of Moses is one that each one of us should own for ourselves. We read in Hebrews 11:24-27 these words: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” (italics mine) I think it is safe to say that Moses saw the Big Picture; he had God’s perspective on life.
Our Revelation texts reveal that many tribulation saints will suffer martyrdom for their faith in Christ during this period of time, but they are also told, “‘Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea,’ saith the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.’” (Revelation 14:13) In other words, our life in Christ does not end when we die physically; it is carried into the life that is to come.
Saints, may we purpose to live for something greater than ourselves, and that is the Name of Jesus Christ and the glory of God. Invest in the Kingdom of God. Keep a light touch on things of this world. Do not allow the temporal toys of this world to eclipse the treasures that are ours in Christ Jesus (John 1:14; Colossians 2:3).
