A British travel show host visited the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. It thrusts upward from an amazing mountain peak that provides panoramic views of the city and its incredibly beautiful beaches.
In the host’s iconic manner of speaking, he said, “It’s just not right, is it? There’s Jesus up there, holding out his arms, where everyone can see, and down there on the beaches, they’re doing whatever they want.”
The truth of his words came out in the show's next segment. It was the season for Carnival, and to find a sane moment, he visited an isolated section of beach in the early morning, only to be told he had to remove his clothes if he wanted to remain on that section of the shore. It wasn’t clothes optional, but rather, clothes not permitted. Needless to say, he packed up his beach chair and moved on. He looked for something better just beyond the next outcropping of beachfront rocks. He wanted something that was better than his current situation.
What situation are we in today? Have our families abandoned us? Are we broke financially? Are we teetering spiritually, barely able to hang onto our belief in a loving Father?
We have to move past that and find something better. We must pack up and hike past the rocks that block our view of better things. It’s essential that we look past the horizon we can see, so that we can find the helping hand of God just on the other side.
Revelation 20:11 tells us that our God is more powerful than our current situation.
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.”
Revelation 20:10 makes sure we understand that the one who torments us will not get off scott-free.
“And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 18:19 reveals the sorrow of those who cannot grasp the vision of the Christ.
“And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, ‘Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.’ ”
Revelation 12:7 is where the final battle takes place.
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back.”
Revelation 2:26 shows us who wins.
“The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations…”
Revelation 1:18 is our signal to dance with everlasting joy.
“I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
We can know for sure what’s on the other side of the horizon. If we trust Christ as our savior, then we will find him in all his glory, his sword of Truth in his hand, and victory written in the smile on his face.
We can’t let ourselves be blinded by the world. Rather, we must walk in faith toward Christ.
Copyright © 2015 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.D.14.15.vp.esv
Originally Published 6-20-15 in Hope.