Today’s devotion comes from Revelation 20:4-6.
“Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4-6.
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The temptation in today’s Scripture is to ignore (or too lightly consider) the blessing of “they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” and worry about the coming event in the very next two verses of “When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore.” Revelation 20:7-8.
We do this in life. We ignore (or too lightly consider) the blessing that we are presently experiencing and worry too much about the future.
Reformed Doctrine can help!
Reformed Doctrine reminds us of God’s sovereignty and providence. God is still in control throughout all these events. God will provide all that we need for whatever we face.
Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer. That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move. Heidelberg Catechism.
“7 He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
9 He has given freely to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted in honor.
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
9 He has given freely to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted in honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be vexed,
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 112:7-10
In conclusion, we even notice in verse 8 that “His heart is upheld, he will not fear”. Reformed Doctrine teaches that God even upholds our heart. “We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, appropriates him, and seeks nothing more besides him. …” Article 22: Of Faith in Jesus Christ. Belgic Confession.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 