Day 20 – What Are You Going to Do?

(Revelation 22:10-14)

The present age

The emphasis on freedom and free will is a common theme in most cultures of the world. The present age is characterised by the redefinition of self so that people are free to be whatever they perceive themselves to be. Thus, identity is determined, not by biology or genetics, but by the perception of the individual.

The same applies to the definition of right and wrong. The individual is the final judge of what is right or wrong in the absence of moral absolutes. It is to this context we read the message of today’s passage.

The passage has an end-time tone as it highlights the polarisation between Christ’s followers and Satan’s followers. The message is not sealed because Christ wants us to read it, hear it and be prepared.

Jesus Christ will return

We may not feel the urgency or immediacy of Christ’s message, but it is very clear – the end is near. And Jesus Christ will return to judge the world in righteousness.

The end of time is a certainty and both Christians and non-Christians must be aware that Jesus Christ will come back. Not as saviour, but as judge. For those who question the immediacy of Christ’s return, the Scriptures remind them that “The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness but is patient toward you not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter, 3:9).

Live with the end in mind

This calls us to live now with a consciousness of the end in mind. God respects our free will and the right to choose what we believe and how we live. You are free to live as you please in this life but be aware that there will be accountability at Christ’s return.

Those who wash their robes are those who seek to purify themselves from sinful living and strive daily to be faithful and ready for Christ. Christ will judge and reward everyone according to their works.

What are you going to do?

We will all give an account of how we used our free will and freedoms. While there is certain judgement for those who reject or ignore the counsels of the Scriptures, God’s obedient children will eat from the tree of life because their sins have been washed away by Christ.

“Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand“

Daniel 12:10