Daily Reflection

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Don’t try to tame the book of Revelation. Bonhoeffer begs us to be “a community which hears the Apocalypse” (No Rusty Swords, 324-5), to let it confront and expand us so we might discern where truth is found and whom we are to serve. Revelation opens with Jesus’ resume, which is impressive! It’s joyful good news that we’re not to live up to Jesus’ accomplishments but to live in response to them and to the love by which they were undertaken. It’s also good news that glory and dominion are given to Jesus, not to any earthly authority, army, or agency. Where today can we discern Jesus’ new creation at work in the world so we can help foster that? Where today can we help make accountable that which is working against Jesus’ new creation?

Hallelujah! May the church, Your church, before Your throne, “cast our crowns before You, lost in wonder, love, and praise” (Charles Wesley’s “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”). And may we serve You from this place of awe in Your great steadfast love. Amen and amen

Christian Seasons Calendar

Daily Reflection

Thursday, April 24, 2025