CLM 205 The Future is Christ's

Fri, 14 Jun 1996

Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 205 


     Here's another daily meditation from my recent book of devotions
     'Sunrise Sunset' (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco). Feel free
     to use/adapt it. These appear regularly on our mail-list.



                          THE FUTURE IS CHRIST'S


To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just
as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 3:21.


The Apocalypse is a first century book, written out of the situation of
the early Christians, and for these persecuted people.  The Roman Empire
was continuing its wicked way; oppression and wrong abounded; the cult
of the emperor flourished, as did idolatry generally.  The Christian
minority found itself the object of suspicion, sometimes persecution. 
Some were killed for their faith.

So John's message is: the future belongs not to the Roman
powers-that-be, but to Christ.  He is the ultimate Victor, and in him we
are 'more than conquerors'.  Despite appearances, he unerringly brings
his purposes to pass in the affairs of human history.

Although John feels some pessimism concerning the present age, he sees
much further:  history is the scene of God's redemptive activity.  John
asserts that God's Messiah has come, and has suffered, but is now King
of kings and Lord of lords.


Lord of my life, I crown you my sovereign, and pledge to you my
allegiance. I will be faithful to you until death. Amen.


     Shalom!

     Rowland Croucher

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                     Email: rowlandc@werple.net.au
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