Devotion 5: Rest From The Struggle
Almost everyone today struggles with information overload. It is said that a single edition of the New York Times contains more information than the average person in the seventeenth century would come across in their entire life. We were not made to constantly consume; yet, so many, from the moment they wake up to the time they fall asleep just scroll, scroll, scroll.
In Revelation chapters 12–14, we read about a battle between the Dragon and his agents and God and His people. Chapter 14 specifically tells of believers and non-believers during the Great Tribulation. Revelation 14:11-12 says, "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." While this is not easy to read, it is the truth nonetheless. It seems more and more often, people are rejecting this truth that those who serve the Beast (non-believers) are facing torment and separation from the Lord for eternity. Rest is not the natural state of people. The statement you will find on gravestones, “Rest in Peace” will not be true for all.
However, verse 13 says, "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!’” This is speaking of those who, amid the Great Tribulation, while the world is revolting against God, turn to the Lord in faith. How does this happen? While the world is burning down, many will see this and respond in faith and dependence upon God. God does this even today. He uses our struggle to cause us to long for something greater. You know that ache in your heart, that there must be more to this life than the nine-to-five grind? That there has to be more than heartbreak, marital trouble, and stress? That there must be more than the brokenness you see scrolling Facebook or the News all day? That is God setting your desires and your gaze upon Him, the only Eternal One.
Take a break. Put the phone down. Turn off the TV tonight. Shut off the gaming system. Set your mind on the truth that lasts. Take your concerns, your cares, and your anxieties and lay them at the feet of the One who died for you so that you could rest in Him in this life and in the life to come.