Journal Entry // December 29, 2022
From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. (ESV)
Revelation 19:15
Whenever I take a moment to stop and contemplate all that is happening in the world, it can become an overwhelming exercise. As I sojourn through this life, I am assaulted with the anger and hatred of the world arrayed in unity against my Holy God. I can readily see all the many different forces of this world lining up to put an end to the kingdom of God. This assault I see every day is disheartening. It breaks my heart to see the lies and deception of this world making progress in the hearts and minds of seemingly all people around the world. It pains me to see the rebellious hearts of those who would cast down Christ and remove him completely from their life. I hurt for the lost. I am moved in my innermost being to see the glory of Christ revealed to everyone. I yearn for the return of Christ.
Alone in my quiet, space as I read and meditate on the Word of God and wonder at the majesty and glory of Christ, I am transported to this place of heavenly rightness and certainty of the majesty and glory of God. A beautiful picture of peace and community in communion and fellowship with my Holy God. This holy habitation and abiding with Christ swells the yearning for Christ to return and make all things right. To bring peace and finality. Yet, I know that his return will bring with it the judgment and condemnation of all those who are arrayed against him. This gives me pause since so many people have yet to have their hearts changed in repentance and faith. This pause causes me to be grateful for the patience of God and calls for me to be patient and pray alongside Jesus. There are so many people that are close to me that are not prepared for Christ’s return and it pains me to see them in alignment with the enemies of Christ. So I pray and keep praying with hopeful expectation of the grace and mercy of Christ to reach down and change their hearts and call them to repentance and faith in Christ alone.
As my heart yearns for the redemption of more and more people to come and be part of the fellowship of Christ, it also yearns to see the return of Christ. I want Christ to return and set all things right. I want Christ to return and bring all of his people home to be with him. I long to have the bridegroom come and collect his bride. Knowing that when Christ does return, he will return with a sword to bring judgment upon all nations. Christ will bring the wrath of God upon all the earth. It will be both a terrible and glorious moment. The image of Christ treading the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God is so vivid. This image of Christ crushing his enemies beneath his feet; dispensing the fury of God’s wrath. His return will reveal the authority of Christ. Every eye will see; every ear will hear; every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
How should this change me? I should be broken over sin. First, I should be broken over my own sin and fall upon the gentle mercy of Christ for forgiveness through repentance and faith. Second, I should set about to rescue the perishing. This needs to be my labor in life. I must let my heart be broken and keep being broken over sin. I must battle and fight in the strength of Christ for the purity of my own heart. I must battle and fight in the strength of Christ for the salvation and redemption of the eternal souls around me. Each and every person is important to Christ and I want them all to be important to me as well. I want my life to be about the work of bringing more and more people to sing praise to Christ for all of eternity.