December 9, 2010
Revelation 7
Pastor Stan Wilson
In June 1967, I made the greatest decision of my life. Even though I was only 6 years old, it was a decision that would change the entire course of my future.
I recall so well sitting on the lap of the Reverend Charles E. Hood, listening to him tell me of my need for a Savior. Thankfully, he didn’t stop there. He went on to tell me that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, had provided salvation for me. I had no problem believing his words, and experienced salvation personally that night.
According to Scripture, at the very moment I believed, I became a new creation. Jesus took my sin, and His righteousness was placed on me. My citizenship changed and my eternal destiny became heaven…not hell. Wow! This was something that I could have never accomplished in my own efforts. Only through God was it possible.
Although I have walked with Jesus faithfully for the past 44 years, I must confess that there have been times when I have taken my salvation for granted. There have been times when I have failed to remember the depth of my salvation and what it means to be a new creation in Christ. I have used the phrase “I’m saved” in the same way I have used other descriptive phrases like “I’m tired” or “I’m hungry.”
It is so easy in the midst of life’s requirements and temporal distractions to become immune to the gracious gift of salvation that has been given to us so freely. Can you identify similar seasons in your own life? Are you in such a season now?
I love what we see when peering into John’s vision, as reflected in Revelation 7. A countless and diverse multitude gathers around the throne of God, lifting their voices in worship. I’m drawn especially to verse 10, because it helps me to recalibrate: “And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Did you notice the focus? Not once in the midst of this great expression of adoration do we note thankfulness for a car, job, house or any other temporary blessing. Instead, God’s great provision of salvation is at the forefront. The focus is upon the eternal.
If you find that you have been taking God’s gift for granted, I’d suggest that before another moment passes…take time to recalibrate. Take the next five minutes and focus on the depth of what He has done for you. Remember…you could have never accomplished this in your own efforts. Only through God was it possible.
When asked to describe his favorite meal, Pastor Stan identified “a hearty bowl of homemade soup, fresh cornbread for crumbling, warm chocolate chip cookies and my family.”
