Movie plots are often tad predictable. There are characters and their setting is presented in the beginning. They go into struggle in the middle. Then, there's triumph in the end (or tragedy if it's a French movie). The Bible goes into a whole new different plot set-up through Jesus.
Though Revelation 6 is more likely interpreted as a spooky series of events that are to come, I saw something profound while reading it yesterday.
When the lamb was breaking seals, it first opened a white horse with a rider who is carrying a bow. Verse 2 says he rode out to win many battles and gain the victory.
The seals that came after were mostly about struggles that are to come: wars, economic crisis, famine, disease, martyrdom, and chaos.
Before we go through tough struggles, VICTORY CAME BEFORE US.
The battle has been won.
Victory has been gained.
And this happened long before we tried fighting.
The resurrection of Jesus broke the seal. How he conquered death 2000+ years ago made victory accessible through faith. This challenges us not to WORRY about the present nor the future. Whatever happens, we overcome!
However, this does not imply that we can live sinful lives. God's judgment as well discussed in Amos 1-3 is as true as this promised victory. It is of utmost importance to stay away from any from of idolatry for this immediately cancels the triumph that awaits us.
On the other hand, when we hold on to righteousness, our response to huge tasks would be similar to Mary's. When she was told that she would be carrying the Savior in her uterus, she did not respond in fear. She was grateful. She was expectant. There was not an inch of fear despite how unnatural the task is.
When we understand how victory is before us, we would live righteously and bravely.
Prayer: Help me, God, to remember that triumph is certain. When my eyes don't see it and my heart doesn't feel it, through faith in the resurrection of Your Son, I will overcome. I will be able to live righteously and fulfill Your calling. Amen.
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