Tag: conquerors

Morning Prayer: 27 Oct – Revelation 15:2-4 ~ anthems of praise

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

God the Father with His Right Hand Raised in Blessing Girolamo dai Libri (ca. 1550) National Gallery of Art, Washington
God the Father with His Right Hand Raised in Blessing
Girolamo dai Libri (ca. 1550)
National Gallery of Art, Washington

Revelation 15:2-4 (ESV) – to be read aloud

And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire — and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Interlude of victory and praise (15:2-4)

This interlude stands in sharp contrast with the narrative that follows. The exultation of the heavenly chorus is as glorious as the visitation of wrath is somber….

Those who stand on the crystal pavement are those who have emerged victorious over the beast. They have not abandoned their faith nor succumbed to the threats of the Antichrist. They are the overcomers to whom the seven letters hold out promise of eating the tree of life (2:7), protection from the second death (2:11), hidden manna (2:17), authority over the nations (2:26), white garments (3:5), the honor of becoming a pillar in the temple of God (3:12), and the privilege of sitting with Christ on his throne (3:21). Little wonder that they break out in song! (Mounce, p. 284-5)

Anthems of praise (15:3-4)

The song of Moses is perhaps the song of deliverance in Exodus when the Israelites praised God for their deliverance from Egypt. The song of the Lamb in the present context is not a song of personal salvation; it is a song of deliverance from the hatred and hostility of the beast. As God delivered Israel from Egypt, even while pouring out plagues on the Egyptians, so he has delivered the saints from worshiping the beast, while pouring out his judgements on the worshipers of the beast. (Ladd, p. 205)

Exalting the King (15:3-4)

In the darkest hour of human history when it truly seemed that Satan was god of this age (II Cor 4:4), the martyrs sing a hymn of praise to God, recognizing that he is the true and living God. They exalt the name of God because, contrary to outward appearances, he is indeed King of all the ages, including the time of martyrdom. This song is one of the most moving expressions of faith in the entire biblical literature. (Ladd, p. 205)

Though the song is sung by the victors, there is no word in it about themselves or the way they overcame. Those who triumph in Christ fix all their attention on him. ‘Heaven is heaven because in it at last all self, and self-importance, are lost in the presence of the greatness and the glory of God’ (Barclay). (Morris, p.184)
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 10 Sept – Revelation 3:14-22 ~ Laodicea: open the door

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV) – to be read aloud

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Jesus knocking

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

“‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

“‘The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the church in Laodicea

Summary: The church in Laodicea posed a special problem. Their self-confidence had blinded them to the fact that they were “poor and naked.” Assurance that they had it all together had resulted in lukewarmness that made Christ want to spit them out of his mouth. They were counseled to buy from him spiritual wealth, the white robes of righteousness and clear vision into spiritual matters. He stands at the heart’s door of each believer and knocks, requesting permission to enter and share the blessings and joy of personal fellowship. Christ promises to each overcomer the privilege of sitting with him on his throne. (Mounce, p.106)

Christ: The titles of Christ… stress his faithfulness, his reliability and his trustworthiness. These stand in sharp contrast with the unfaithfulness of the Christians in Laodicea…. Christ is the “source and origin” of creation… for Christ is eternal. (Morris, p.81; Ladd, p.65)

The problem in Laodicea: Laodicea was on of the richest commercial centers in the world, so that we have here a picture of the church in an affluent society….. Their coolness was a denial of all that Christ stands for. (Morris, p.80, 82) Church members were simply indifferent, nominal, complacent…. However, the church is not entirely beyond hope of recovery. The strong language – spew you out of my mouth – is designed to rouse the church from her spiritual indifference. (Ladd, p.65)

The remedy in Christ: The deficiency – “poor, blind, and naked” – has a threefold remedy in Christ: (1) real spiritual wealth, (2) real spiritual sight, and (3) real spiritual honor (purity and sincerity). In spite of their sad plight, Christ does not love them any less than the others. His attitude toward the church was not punitive but disciplinary and corrective. (Ladd, p.67)

The call to repentance: A decisive (zealous) act of repentance is required in order to restore the Laodiceans relationship with Christ. Christ summons the members of a lifeless, complacent church to spiritual life. Even though the church is in a sad and deplorable state, Christ still stands at the door of the heart of each individual seeking admission…. Like any new convert, the Laodiceans must respond to the appeal of Christ and open the life to his coming. (Ladd, p.67)

The reward in Christ: The response of Christ to the opened door is that he enters and joins in table fellowship…. The shared meal was a symbol of affection, of confidence, of intimacy… it was a promise of the most intimate fellowship possible…. The promise of sitting with Christ on his throne… looks forward to the ultimate victory of the saints…. The important fact is that Christ is already enthroned. His messianic reign… has already begun, even though it is visible only to the eye of faith. (Ladd, p.68)

Here is a message for every church which faces persecution: the assurance that their evil plight is only temporary; that even though human experience may seem to contradict it, Christ is already enthroned as Lord and King; and that his kingly rule will soon put all his enemies under his feet…. The promise in each of the seven letters to the conqueror is addressed to all disciples of Christ, with the expectation that all faithful disciples will overcome. (Ladd, p.69)

Prayer

Risen and exalted Christ, our Lord and King – Come into our hearts today, renew us and remake us in Your image so that we are pleasing to You. Forgive us our complacency and self-satisfaction and create in us a holy unrest with our affluent, Western lifestyles. Thank you for not giving up on us.

Holy Spirit – Give us spiritual eyes to see our poverty… our nakedness… our blindness. Gently lead us into the Truth about our own condition and that of the world around us. Give us broken hearts – even the heart of Christ – for the broken lives, the broken people and the broken churches around us. Give us a spirit of grace and truth as we offer them hospitality and invite them to enter into a new relationship with You.

Heavenly Father – You made us to walk with You: to know You, to love You, to serve You. You are the Ruler of heaven and earth. Fill us with a proper sense of awe and wonder as we humble ourselves before You. We would be faithful and true to You – the one and only God – Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 09 Sept – Revelation 3:7-13 ~ Philadelphia: “Hold fast…”

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Revelation 3:7-13 (ESV) – to be read aloud

hes-coming_t_nv“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

“‘I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Reflection

THE FIRST VISION – THE SEVEN LETTERS

To the Church in Philadelphia

Summary: The letter to Philadelphia contains no note of disapproval or reproach. Although the believers may have been excommunicated from the local synagogue, Christ has placed before them an open door into the messianic Kingdom. They have remained faithful, and those who are not really Jews will be forced to come and acknowledge that God loves the Christian community. Because of their patient endurance God will keep them from the coming time of trial, and as overcomers they will take their place in the temple of God sealed with his name. (Mounce, p.98)

Christ: This description depicts the exalted Christ as one who is completely dedicated to God… recalling the covenant with Israel… which God has faithfully fulfilled with his church in Jesus Christ…. It is Christ alone and no longer Israel who can give men entrance into the messianic Kingdom…. To Christ has been given absolute and exclusive power to give entrance and to exclude from the Kingdom of God. This is, however, a privilege which Christ has shared with his church. (Ladd, p.58-59)

The church: The main problem faced by the church was from the Jews rather than the pagans…. The church was rather a weak one, possessing only a little power (small with very limited influence)… nevertheless she had remained faithful to her Lord…. Its character was such that the letter has only commendation from the Lord, not censure…. The church is promised sure entrance into the eschatological Kingdom of God. (Ladd, p.58-59)

The opposition: The Jews have surrendered their role as the people of God because they have rejected their Messiah. In their place, the church, largely gentile, has become the true Judaism, the new people of God. However, the Jews hate the church and were often the instruments of bringing persecution upon her. John looks forward to a day when this situation will be changed – when the Jews will acknowledge that the church is indeed the true people of God, and will learn that “I have loved you.” (Ladd, p.61)

The overcomers: To those who remain faithful to Christ and His Word – five promises – (1) protection and preservation in trial; (2) no delay in the return of Christ; (3) a victory crown; (4) permanence within the New Jerusalem; and (5) identity as belonging to God, citizens of the New Jerusalem, and related in a special way to Christ. (Mounce, p.103-105)

Prayer

Lord Jesus – You alone hold the keys to eternal life. Hear our prayers for Your church, especially those who appear small and insignificant:

+ that the church would keep God’s word and remain faithful, especially in the face of opposition…. Lord, hear us.
+ that the church would not deny Jesus’ name and character, remaining faithful until You return in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ that our congregations would have such an influence in our communities that those who originally opposed us and our faith would come to faith in Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ that Your people would proclaim Your Word full of grace and truth to all who will listen in these troubled times…. Lord, hear us.

We await Your imminent return with expectancy and hope and ask all this for Your Name’s sake. Amen.
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.