Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 9 records the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments, intensifying God’s warnings to the world (vv. 1–21). The fifth trumpet releases demonic forces from the abyss that torment those without God’s seal, bringing great suffering but not death (vv. 1–6). The sixth trumpet unleashes a massive force that kills a third of humanity, showing an escalation in judgment (vv. 13–18). Yet even after these devastating events, many refuse to repent, continuing in idolatry and sin despite clear evidence of God’s judgment (vv. 20–21).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: Revelation 9 reveals Jesus as the sovereign Lord over both judgment and mercy. Even the terrifying forces unleashed are under His authority – nothing happens apart from what He permits (vv. 1, 13–15). He limits their power, protecting those who belong to Him and restraining the extent of destruction (vv. 4–5, 18). At the same time, these judgments are not random – they are warnings meant to lead people to repentance. Yet the tragic reality is that many still refuse to turn to Him (vv. 20–21). This shows both the seriousness of sin and the patience of Christ, who continues to call people to repentance even in the midst of judgment. Jesus is not only the Judge – He is the One who gives opportunity after opportunity for sinners to turn and be saved.
🌀 Reflection: Even in the face of judgment, hearts can remain hard toward God. Is there any area of your life where you are resisting His call to repent?
💬 Mission Challenge: Turn to Jesus in full repentance today, and pray for someone who needs a softened heart to respond to Him.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 8 begins with the Lamb opening the seventh seal, bringing a striking silence in heaven before judgment continues (v. 1). The prayers of God’s people rise before Him like incense, and in response, fire from the altar is cast to the earth, signaling that judgment is coming (vv. 3–5). The first four trumpet judgments then sound, bringing partial but devastating effects on the earth, sea, fresh water, and sky – each affecting a third of creation (vv. 7–12). The chapter closes with a warning that even greater judgment is still to come (v. 13).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: Revelation 8 shows Jesus as the Lord who hears His people and responds with righteous judgment. The silence in heaven reflects the weight of what He is about to do – this is not chaos, but deliberate, sovereign action (v. 1). The prayers of the saints rise before God, and the judgment that follows is connected to those cries for justice (vv. 3–5). Jesus is not distant from suffering – He hears, remembers, and acts. The trumpet judgments reveal His authority over all creation – earth, sea, water, and sky – and show that even in judgment, His power is measured and purposeful (vv. 7–12). These are warnings, calling people to repentance before final judgment comes. Jesus is both patient and just – the One who delays so that people might turn, yet will not ignore sin forever.
🌀 Reflection: Your prayers are not ignored – they rise before God and matter more than you realize. How does that encourage you to trust Him, even when answers seem delayed?
💬 Mission Challenge: Bring a specific prayer before the Lord today, trusting that He hears and will act according to His perfect will.
But about 1,993 years ago today, the outlook seemed bleak.
For those living through the original Holy Week in the time depicted in the gospels, Saturday morning must have been a sad and scary time. They had lived through Jesus’s arrest – they had seen Him taken away, beaten, mocked, scourged (Matthew 26:47-68, 27:26-31). I can’t imagine how terrible the cries of “Crucify Him!” and “Behold your king!” had been (Luke 23:21, John 19:14-15).
Then, all of the times that Jesus had prophesied His death had come true (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33-34). He had walked out of Pilate’s compound carrying His cross (John 19:16-17), a crown of thorns ripping into His scalp and forehead (John 19:2-3), bloody and bowed while struggling under the weight. Imagine seeing Him walk the road to the place of the Skull (Luke 23:26, 33), laying the cross down and being laid down on it.
Could they watch as His arms were stretched wide and the nails were hammered into His hands and feet? Could they look upon Him as He was pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5) – as the cross was lifted and plunked in a hole as it was stood up?
He had told them all of this time and again. Didn’t He tell them of His conversation with Nicodemus when He said that He would be lifted up so that all who look upon Him may believe in Him and have eternal life (John 3:14-15)? Oh, how that prophesy must’ve seemed thin at that moment as His life drew to an end.
But Sunday was coming….
The spectators of His crucifixion would have heard Him cry out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). It must have sure seemed so to see His body taken down, carried to the cemetery, and laid in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). Think of the finality of the heavy stone rolled by multiple men into place (Matthew 27:60).
So, as Saturday dawned the next day, I don’t imagine it was a scene of celebration. The Bible doesn’t tell Saturday’s story, but we know that the powers-that-be who were used of Satan thought they had won. They had sealed the tomb and set a guard because they thought Jesus’s followers would try to steal the body (Matthew 27:62-66). But His followers were not a political or religious movement. His followers were His friends – those whose lives had been changed by Him, those who had believed and received life in His name (John 1:12). They were in mourning because the Teacher was dead. They were in mourning that they had doubted or denied Him (Luke 22:61-62). They were afraid because, if the powers-that-be had been able to kill Him, there’s no limit to what could be done to them (John 20:19). So, they huddled in the upper room with the table where they had their last supper with Him (Luke 22:14-20, John 20:19).
But Sunday was coming.
I cannot begin to explain what happened – that’s above my pay grade, so to speak, but think of all we know of life and death: it came untrue! The lifeless body of Jesus, truly dead and laid in the tomb, began to live again! The decay of His corpse reversed. Synapses in His brain fired. His bloodless heart pumped fresh. The torn and ripped skin on His back healed. The lungs that breathed the breath of life into Adam filled once more. The Lamb of God, looking as if He had been slain – because He had, stood of His own power (Revelation 5:6, John 10:18). The nail pierced hands took the grave clothes, folded them carefully, and laid them at the foot of the bier (John 20:6-7). Then, the maker of the stone willed it to move aside, needing no help because He was no mere mortal man. God who put on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) – who had died in our place (1 Peter 2:24) – rose again in power (Romans 6:9, Acts 2:24), putting off mortality so that those who put their faith in Him could put on His immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
It was Sunday, and Jesus had risen as He had said (Matthew 28:6).
The stone rolled away, light blinded and incapacitated the feeble guards keeping watch over His tomb (Matthew 28:2-4). The Author of Life and inventor of humanity could not be held by death because it wasn’t for Him (Acts 3:15, 2:24). The Lion of Judah had laid down His life as the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:5-6, John 1:29), and now walks forth in victory, every step announcing defeat – defeat of death and hell and putting Satan to open shame because His work was finished (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14).
Sunday came!
For the last 1,993 years, every Sunday has been a celebration and reminder that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive. Every, single Sunday His followers have gathered in worship of Him, looking for His return (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2). In that sense, Sunday is coming again because we have the hope that He who came to save us by dying for our sin in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) is He who could not be held by death. And if He can’t be stopped by death, He must surely be able to return as He has said (Acts 1:11). He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
That’s why we gather. That’s why we celebrate.
So, tomorrow, we will lift our voices in worship because He is risen as He said. John will open the Scriptures and point us to Jesus – who He is and what He has done. We have the opportunity to celebrate that He who is alive offers life eternal to those who trust in Him (John 11:25-26). And YOU are invited to gather with us.
3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures….
9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 7 pauses between the sixth and seventh seals to answer the question, “Who can stand?” (6:17). Before judgment continues, God seals His servants, symbolizing His ownership and protection over them (7:1–3). John hears of 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel (7:4–8), then sees a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne and the Lamb, worshiping and declaring that salvation belongs to God (7:9–10). These are those who have come out of great tribulation, cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, now serving God and experiencing His presence, provision, and comfort forever (7:14–17).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: Revelation 7 shows Jesus as the Lamb who saves, shepherds, and secures His people. Those standing before the throne are there because of Him — they have washed their robes and made them white in His blood (7:14). Salvation belongs not to human effort, but to God and to the Lamb (7:10). And this Lamb is not only Savior — He is also Shepherd. He leads His people, provides for them, and brings them to springs of living water (7:17). In Him, suffering gives way to comfort, hunger to fullness, and sorrow to joy. The Lamb who was slain now reigns, and His people are safe with Him forever, held securely in His presence and care.
🌀 Reflection: Jesus doesn’t just save His people — He keeps them and cares for them. How does that truth give you hope in the middle of difficulty or uncertainty?
💬 Mission Challenge: Encourage someone today with the hope that Jesus is both Savior and Shepherd, and He will never let His people go.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 6 shows the Lamb opening the first six seals of the scroll, unleashing a series of judgments on the earth (vv. 1–17). The first four seals reveal riders on horses symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death — forces allowed by the Lamb to bring judgment on a broken world (vv. 1–8). The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, and they are told to rest until God’s purposes are complete (vv. 9–11). The sixth seal brings cosmic upheaval — earthquakes, darkened skies, and collapsing creation — causing people of every status to hide in fear, recognizing that the day of God’s wrath has come (vv. 12–17).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: Revelation 6 reveals Jesus as the sovereign Judge who carries out God’s righteous justice. The Lamb is the One opening the seals, showing that even judgment is under His authority and unfolds according to His will (v. 1). The chaos of conquest, war, famine, and death is not outside His control — it is permitted and directed as part of God’s purposes (vv. 2–8). He hears the cries of His people who have suffered and been killed for their faith, assuring them that justice will come in His perfect timing (vv. 9–11). And when judgment fully breaks in, people recognize that it is not random — it is “the wrath of the Lamb” (v. 16). This is the same Jesus who was slain in love, now revealed as the righteous Judge. His holiness demands justice, and His authority ensures that evil will not have the final word.
🌀 Reflection: The same Jesus who saves is also the One who judges. How does that truth shape the way you view sin, justice, and your need for grace?
💬 Mission Challenge: Turn from any known sin today and thank Jesus for saving you from the judgment you deserve.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 5 continues the heavenly scene as a scroll in God’s hand is introduced, but no one is found worthy to open it (vv. 1–4). John weeps until he is told that the Lion of Judah has conquered (v. 5). When he looks, he sees a Lamb standing as though slain, who alone is worthy to take the scroll (vv. 6–7). As the Lamb takes it, heaven erupts in worship — first from the elders and living creatures, then from countless angels, and finally from all creation — declaring His worth because He was slain and has redeemed a people from every nation (vv. 8–13). The scene ends with unified worship of both the One on the throne and the Lamb (v. 14).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: Revelation 5 reveals Jesus as the worthy Lamb and conquering King. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David — the promised Messiah who has conquered (v. 5). Yet His victory is not through force, but through sacrifice — He is the Lamb who was slain, standing alive, bearing the marks of His death (v. 6). Because of His death and resurrection, He alone is worthy to take the scroll and carry out God’s redemptive plan for history (v. 7). His blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, making them a kingdom and priests who will reign with Him (vv. 9–10). Heaven declares His worth in fullness — power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing belong to Him (v. 12). And in the end, all creation joins in worship, showing that Jesus is not only Savior but Lord over all. The Lamb who was slain is the King who reigns.
🌀 Reflection: Jesus is worthy not just because of who He is, but because of what He has done. Does your worship reflect the worth of the Lamb who was slain for you? 💬 Mission Challenge: Worship Jesus today specifically for His sacrifice, and share with someone how His death has changed your life.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 4 shifts the scene from earth to heaven as John is called up to see what will take place next (vv. 1–2). At the center of everything is a throne with God seated on it, surrounded by dazzling glory, lightning, and worship (vv. 2–5). Around the throne are twenty-four elders and four living creatures who continually praise God, declaring His holiness and eternal nature (vv. 4–8). Day and night, heaven resounds with worship as all creation honors the One who lives forever, and the elders fall down before Him, casting their crowns and declaring that He alone is worthy because He created all things (vv. 9–11).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: While Revelation 4 focuses on the One seated on the throne, it reveals the sovereign rule and worthiness of God that sets the stage for Jesus’ work. The throne reminds us that God reigns over all things — nothing in heaven or on earth is outside His authority (v. 2). He is surrounded by glory, power, and holiness, worshiped without ceasing as “the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (v. 8). Every creature and every authority ultimately answers to Him. The worship of heaven centers on His worthiness — He alone deserves glory, honor, and power because He is the Creator and sustainer of all things (v. 11). This chapter prepares us to see that everything that follows — including judgment, redemption, and the return of Christ — flows from the throne of God. And as we move into the next chapter, we will see that Jesus, the Lamb, is the One worthy to carry out God’s purposes.
🌀 Reflection: Heaven is centered on worship of the One on the throne. Is your life centered on Him in the same way?
💬 Mission Challenge: Take time today to worship God for who He is as Creator and King, not just for what He gives.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview: Revelation 3 continues Jesus’ messages to the churches, addressing Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (vv. 1–22). Sardis has a reputation for being alive but is spiritually dead, and Jesus calls them to wake up, repent, and return to what they received (vv. 1–3). Philadelphia, though weak and persecuted, is commended for faithfulness and promised an open door and secure place in God’s kingdom (vv. 8–12). Laodicea, however, is rebuked for being lukewarm — self-sufficient in appearance but spiritually poor, blind, and needy — and is called to repent and return to true dependence on Christ (vv. 15–18). Across each message, Jesus calls His people to hear, repent, and overcome, promising eternal life and fellowship to those who remain faithful (vv. 5, 12, 21).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: In Revelation 3, Jesus is revealed as the holy and true King who sees clearly, rules completely, and calls His people to real faith. He is the One who has the seven spirits and the seven stars, meaning He has full authority and gives true spiritual life (v. 1). He is the holy and true One who holds the key of David — what He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open (v. 7). He sees beyond appearances, exposing empty reputation in Sardis and lukewarm self-deception in Laodicea, while honoring quiet faithfulness in Philadelphia (vv. 1, 8, 15–17). As the faithful and true witness, His words are trustworthy, even when they confront and correct (v. 14). Yet He is also gracious — loving enough to discipline, calling His people to repentance, and inviting them into fellowship: “I stand at the door and knock” (vv. 19–20). He promises that those who overcome will share in His victory and reign with Him (v. 21). Jesus is not impressed by appearances — He desires true faith, real dependence, and enduring devotion.
🌀 Reflection: Jesus sees what is real, not just what appears to be. Are you relying on reputation or truly walking with Him in faith and dependence?
💬 Mission Challenge: Turn from self-reliance today and intentionally depend on Jesus in one specific area of your life.
Today’s post includes a brief overview of the chapter and a focused look at what it reveals about Jesus (Rev. 1:1) — so our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Chapter Overview Revelation 2 records Jesus’ messages to four churches — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira — each following a pattern: He knows their condition, speaks truthfully about it, calls them to respond, and promises reward to those who overcome (vv. 1–29). Ephesus is commended for truth and endurance but rebuked for losing their first love and called to repent (vv. 2–5). Smyrna, though suffering and poor, is declared spiritually rich and urged to remain faithful even to death (vv. 9–10). Pergamum is praised for holding fast to Jesus in a hostile place but warned to repent of tolerating false teaching and compromise (vv. 13–16). Thyatira is commended for growing in love and service but rebuked for allowing false teaching and immorality, with a call to hold fast and remain faithful (vv. 19–25).
Seeing Jesus in This Chapter: In Revelation 2, Jesus is revealed as the Lord of His church who knows, searches, and rules over His people. He walks among the churches and holds them in His hand, meaning He is present, attentive, and sovereign over them (v. 1). He declares again and again, “I know” — He sees their works, their suffering, their faithfulness, and their sin (vv. 2, 9, 13, 19). He is the One who died and came to life, giving hope to those who suffer and face death (v. 8). He speaks with the authority of the sharp two-edged sword, confronting false teaching and calling His people to repentance (vv. 12, 16). His eyes are like fire, searching hearts and minds, and He judges rightly according to what is true (vv. 18, 23). Yet He is also gracious — giving time to repent and calling His people to endure, promising life, victory, and fellowship with Him to those who remain faithful (vv. 7, 10, 17, 26–28). Jesus is not distant from His church — He is present, holy, and actively leading His people toward faithfulness.
🌀 Reflection: Jesus sees both what is right and what is lacking in His people. Where might He be calling you to repent or remain faithful today?
💬 Mission Challenge: Examine your life before the Lord today and take one step of obedience in response to what He reveals.
Sunday’s coming, and I’m excited. And on this Palm Sunday, we remember our King.
Psalm 118:19-29 gives us the language of a people longing for salvation and rejoicing in the One who brings it: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Psalm 118:26). It’s a song/psalm of victory, rescue, and the steadfast love of God that endures forever.
The people cried out “Hosanna!” to Jesus, which is the Hebrew word used in Psalm 118:25 that is translated, “Save us, we pray”. In the time between Psalm 118 being written and Jesus’s Triumphal Entry, “hosanna” had shifted from “Save us, we pray” to a cry of praise to the Lord who had saved them time and again and whose track record led them to believe He would and could save them in their time of need.
While they were crying out “Hosanna”, they also quoted Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” They laid down palm branches and their own cloaks as they cried out to Jesus with joy, welcoming Him as King. What Psalm 118 anticipated, Jesus was fulfilling right before their eyes (Luke 24:44).
But something even greater was happening.
Psalm 118 speaks of the festal sacrifice being bound with cords to the horns of the altar (Psalm 118:27). Yet when Jesus came, He wasn’t bound or forced. He came willingly, submitting to His Father’s redemptive plan. He is the true and better sacrifice — the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), the propitiation, atoning sacrifice, to bear the wrath of God on behalf of those He saves (1 John 2:1-2, Romans 3:25). The King they proclaimed was riding into Jerusalem to be the Savior they needed on the cross (Luke 19:10).
Essentially, this is why we gather in worship — not just to remember or commemorate a moment but to respond to Jesus (Romans 12:1). He came to seek and save the lost, to bear our sin, and to make a way for us who are far off to be brought near (1 Peter 2:24, Ephesians 2:13). We get to fix our eyes on our King (Hebrews 12:2) and cry out “Hosanna!”, praising God for saving us by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9)! Palm Sunday is not a mere holiday (or holy day) but a reminder of who Jesus is, what He has done, and call us to faith in Him (John 20:31).
That’s also why these “Songs of Sunday” posts exist — to help us prepare our hearts to gather in worship. As we read, reflect, and sing ahead of time, we’re asking the Lord to ready our hearts to worship, to receive His Word, and to respond with faith and joy.
Sunday’s coming.
Jesus is coming again.
Let’s be ready to welcome our King, not just with our lips but with our lives, trusting, rejoicing, and worshiping.
Come and gather with us. Lift your voice and sing out to the Lord. Listen as John points us to Jesus in the Word. Let’s make much of Jesus together.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that You have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O Lord, we pray, give us success!
26 Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and He has made His light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to You; You are my God; I will extol You. 29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Just Keith Harris 