The Nation of Israel was established by God to be an example nation to the nations of the world. In fact, Abraham was called by God to be the father of nations.  Israel did become the envy of the nations during the David-Solomon era, but when they fell from grace and became victims of the nations of the world. . 

But God promised that a New Day would come with the birthing of a new “nation-people”, the “Ekklesia of Christ”. To them would be given the mandate to “disciple all nations” and to “evangelize the people” and “be a witness” of the presence of Christ throughout the world. 

This month we will meditate on the prophetic assessment of the Church (Ekklesia) in the “Messianic age”.  It was clear that they, like Israel, had become a wayward and disobedient people struggling to exist in turbulent “end-times” rather than becoming the answer to a world lost in its own sin and iniquity.   

That is the story of Revelations chapter 1-5 told by  John, the last of the Disciples who was left to languish, suffer and die on the deserted Isle of Patmos. But in a visionary appearance Jesus exposed the condition of the “loveless church”, the “persecuted church”, the “compromising church”, the “corrupt church”, the “dead church”, the ‘faithful church”, and the “lukewarm church”. In the midst of much tribulation the Church appeared to be detached, irrelevant and ineffective. 

Are you part of the answer in today’s world, or are you and your church looking for a way of escape?   John’s first Letter to the Churches describes how Jesus wants you to be in the midst of “end-time” tribulations when the “antichrist” is wreaking havoc in your nation. 

This devotional exercise is for self-assessment, self-effacement and self-affirmation. Concentrate on selected verses each day. Meditate on their significance to your faith, as you apply it personally and practically to your daily life.

To get the FULL benefit from this devotional, be sure to download the Devotional Approach To Building Your Relationship With God to ensure that your time with God is as thourough as possible! Use it as a daily guide to navigate you through your devotional process with God!!!