(The following is the December 21 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 15 and pay close attention to verses 1-4.)

As John’s vision in Revelation unfolds, a significant shift happens in chapter 15. We move from the persecution and turmoil believers endure at the hands of evil ones to where Christians begin to enjoy their reward. It is a glorious moment:

“I also saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had won the victory over the beast, its image, and the number of its name, were standing on the sea of glass with harps from God. They sang the song of God’s servant Moses and the song of the Lamb:

Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God, the Almighty;
just and true are your ways, King of the nations.
Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All the nations will come and worship before you because your righteous acts have been revealed” (vv. 2-4).  

On this side of death, we may grow weary. Our health declines with age. We witness events that dishonor God and break our hearts. We know we have a purpose here, but we occasionally strain to understand and fulfill it. We may have times when we long to leave this life and be with Jesus. One day – one indescribable, glorious day – that longing will become a reality. Pain will be behind us forever. This life’s limitations, temptations, and failures will be no more. We will stand before our King and sing a new song.

Until then, may we strive not to escape persecution and death but to remain faithful to Christ unto death. When this strenuous journey is complete, we will join in the heavenly chorus of praise to the Lamb.

Next Step:
Describe how you felt after completing a significant project or accomplishment in your life. Can you imagine what it will be like to endure this life’s challenges, celebrating in God’s presence eternally?