“So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19).
Is the wrath of God something you fear? Why, you faithful ones? Will not God remove from you all that is sinful? Will not God press into you that which is good and worthy of eternity with Him? Yes, we are on trial all day long. Yes, there is a judgement for us all. It is not a happy, sappy, Jesus loves me so I can sit back and do nothing . This is hard work and the only work that will last. Love the Lord and learn what this means.
Lord, I really do want to think of myself as exempt from all the difficulties of life. But You were hung on a cross for my sake. How easy was that? It was horrific. Of course, I need to be pressed to bear fruit. The goodness needs to be pressed into me and the badness needs to be eradicated. The old Adam needs to be killed and the new person in the image of Christ needs to be resurrected daily. Of course, this is the most serious business there is.
Lord Jesus, lead me in the way of everlasting life. Teach me and still my lips so that I do not tell You what I want, but rather, let You shape me. Take my prideful heart and strip it down, filling me with love for my neighbor and You. Resurrect me daily to be faithful to You above all things. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy that I may humbly walk with You, my Lord and God. Savior, save me, that through all tribulations I may abide with You forever. Amen.
