This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
Revelation 14:12-13 NIV
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation was written specifically for a group of first-century churches in modern-day Turkey. Churches who were facing opposition from the surrounding culture. But its message is just as relevant to us today. Its message is wrapped in apocalyptic imagery, making it challenging for modern readers to understand. But its primary message was one of encouragement to God’s people, pulling back the curtain to enable us to see the bigger picture. Even though evil often seems to have the upper hand, it does not. God’s judgment is coming. As well as his reward for those who endure faithfully.
And that is what we find here. The judgment of those who have followed the ruler of this world had been announced. And it was indeed a terrible judgment (Rev. 14:9-11). But that announcement was followed by a call for patient endurance on the part of God’s people.
Life as a faithful follower of Jesus may be challenging. We are told to expect the world not to accept us and the Lord we represent (John 15:30, 2 Tim. 3:12). But stick with it. Patient endurance as a believer will be rewarded.
The voice from heaven assures us that to die as a faithful follower of Jesus is a blessing. The labors and trials of this world will have come to an end. And we will enter into God’s rest, the great hope we have as believers. The struggles of this life are temporary. But the joy that awaits us is forever. So endure faithfully, living a godly life that honors our Lord. Let nothing move you from the hope we have (1 Cor. 15:58).
