SWHW Bible Reading Plan: December 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Alonda Tanner:

How comfortable are you with hearing the words, “I don't know?” That's not usually an answer I like to accept in Bible study. Usually, if we search it out long enough, we can find an answer that explains away all of our worries and questions. 

That's not my experience today. Today I'm reading Revelation 16, and I have lots of questions. I've come to the same conclusion with each of them; I don't know. The thing that keeps me hopeful and at peace is understanding that God does know. 

At this point in Revelation, the people on the earth are pretty deep. The world has been rocked. They've experienced earthquakes, famines, plagues, and death. Many have pledged their allegiance to the one described as the Antichrist, a decision that pits them against God for eternity. As deep as the devastation has been for those who don't know Jesus, it's about to get worse. 

If you're like me, it's hard to read Bible verses like these and not feel some level of heartbreak. It's tempting to want to process scriptures like these emotionally. When our emotions become the thing we filter the Bible through, our understanding of who God is and His love for us often gets distorted. 

What we have to remember about Revelation is that even the hard parts-- the seven trumpets, seven seals, seven bowls of wrath-- are all part of God's plan to bring restoration and wholeness to His people. This plan isn't a secret. It's been in motion for centuries, and by the time this portion of it comes into play, every tribe, nation, and people group will have heard the truth of the gospel and had time to choose whether or not they're going to dismiss it. 

This is not the act of a merciless God. It's actually quite the opposite. This is the faithfulness of the God who promised to bring restoration to His people. 

He promised that sin and wickedness would end. He promised that rest and peace would come. He promised a new heaven and a new earth. Entering into this promise means accepting the end of everything that contradicts what God is establishing.

As Christians, because we know what's on the other side of these events, we can read Bible verses like these and be hopeful. 

Also, as Christians, because we know what's on the other side of these events for non-believers, we read verses like these and grieve. 

Both responses are appropriate. Let that hope drive you to worship, and that grief drive you to prayer. We all know people who have yet to accept the truth and saving grace of Jesus. Did a name or a face come to mind while you were reading this? Can I challenge you to write that person's name down and commit to praying for their salvation. My guess is you want them to experience the fullness of eternity with Jesus too. 

In John 14:16, Jesus said, “...I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.”

I'm praying for your loved ones, as well as mine, that they would learn the way, accept the truth, and gain eternal life.

Heavenly Father, there are a lot of things I don't necessarily understand about the end times. What I do know is that Your love is real and promises forever. You said that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that You raised Him from the dead, we would be saved (Romans 10:9). Because of that, I have hope for even the hardest of times. Today I'm praying for the people who don't have a relationship with You and don't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I ask that You'd reveal Yourself to them in an undeniable way. Love them in a way that is tangible. Help them see that You are the way, the truth, and the life, and lead them to place their lives and hope in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.