As teens, my parents told my sisters and me we could always call home to get out of a sticky situation. They would come and get us (if we didn’t have a car) or tell us we had to come home (if we were driving ourselves). I never had to use the “call home” tactic, but it was reassuring to know we had a safety net, a way out of a bad or uncomfortable situation.
Last week I reflected on a grim scene: two witnesses lying dead in the
street for 3 ½ days after powerfully and faithfully witnessing for Jesus for 3 ½
years. They had been given physical protection until their work on earth was
done. Then, as we will see in the following passage, miraculous spiritual
protection enveloped them while their enemies shook in fear. After that,
another remarkable thing happened - Jesus personally called them home!
Revelation 11:11-14 11 But
after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered
them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 12 Then
they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And
they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
13 At that very hour there was a severe
earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were
killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave
glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe has passed; the third
woe is coming soon.
This passage is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the only One to fear, serve
and obey. In the end, He will show the world that His followers are the only
ones with real security and eternal salvation. What will Jesus say to us at the
end of our lives? Will He say “Come home!” or “I never knew you?” As the Creator
and sustainer of life, He wants to welcome us home! Let’s pursue Him this week,
so His voice is a welcome presence rather than a cause to tremble.
