MONDAY

Revelation 14:6

Who matters? Who gets included? Tragically, it is still a question our world struggles with today. Jesus, having shared the summation of God’s law as loving God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, had to field the follow-up question of “Who is my neighbor?” The story Jesus told in response should have settled that question forever (actually, it does), but somehow it continues to surface.

Today’s passage, one that introduces the messages of the three angels of Revelation 14 (one of special importance to us as Adventists), reminds us again about who gets included. The question for us is whether we have fully embraced all that it implies, or whether we still find ourselves on some level responding to Jesus with the age-old question the teacher of the law did: “And…who is my neighbor?” As you ponder today’s text, take a few moments to consider all that seems to be implied in this opening statement.

• What is the message that this angel carries? Does the way we live and interact with the rest of the world reflect the “good news” of the gospel?

• If we think of “nations” as being defined by geographical or political boundaries, to what extent do those boundaries hinder us?

• If we think of “tribes” as representing all the various people groups that are bound together in some way with shared experiences or concerns, are there some that tend to get left out?

• If we think of “language” as the way we communicate through shared symbols and images, are there people who may not fully understand us or grasp our message? Are there other “languages” we need to learn so we can communicate effectively with others? Who might be some of the people we need to understand better so we know how to speak to them?

• And if we think of “people” as any other group or gathering of people that don’t fit into any of our predetermined categories, and who may get left out or marginalized for a variety of reasons, how might we better learn to share with them about God’s message of love and grace?

It seems that it is God’s intent that the good news that is entrusted to us to share is for everyone–no one is to be left out! In what ways do you find that exciting? Challenging? Compelling? Talk with God about what you are hearing.