Overcame by Blood (Dec 29)

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
                                       Revelation 12:11 NIV

Recently we read of blessings for those members of the seven churches who 'overcame.'  Today we read of the method to overcome.  It is by the blood of the Lamb, blood shed 2000 years ago for you, for me, and for us. 

That belief, faith, and acceptance of what Jesus did for us leads us to respond in a word of testimony.  Our word is not merely a spoken language, but rather includes action that shows God's love to others.  Our testimony is in part love in action.

Our faith that heaven is our final home gives us great comfort as we face challenges, uncertainties, and even earthly death.  In our lives, we know of many martyrs.  We even have read of martyrs. Stephen's death comes to mind today.  Recall how as Stephen was stoned, he kept focused on Jesus and noticed that Jesus was standing beside God to welcome him, a good and faithful servant home.

One final thought today.  I recall seeing the title of the book of Revelation in a Bible as a youth.  That Bible's title for Revelation conveyed the message that the book was a revelation of Jesus Christ to the apostle John.  That thought might help a reader focus on Jesus in the somewhat "difficult to understand" book of Revelation.

Pray to see Jesus.  Pray to stay focussed on Jesus.

In Christ,

David P