Rend Collective: Reap that Joy

As soon as I saw the title of Rend Collective's latest song, "Reap that Joy", I knew it was going to be based on Psalm 126, the same as this blog:

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them (v 5-6).

You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5VhsF3FGq8. It's a good one!

I've been a fan of Rend Collective for a long time. I played their song, "My Lighthouse", multiple times a day during one of my husband's deployments and in the days of reintegration following his return. "Counting Every Blessing" reminded me of the power of giving thanks to God in all circumstances. "Simplicity", "Boldly I Approach", and "Second Chance" helped change my thinking as God continued (and continues) to move me from a prideful rule-follower to someone walking in freedom in Christ relying on Jesus for my salvation and sanctification. Their song, "Weep with Me", was instrumental in reminding me of what was still true about God in my grief, giving me a vision in my grief of God sharing in my sadness, and helping me see brighter days ahead.

Which artists make you most excited for their new songs?

"Isn't darkness where the garden starts to grow"

To the Victorious

I have been studying Revelation with an on-line Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group this year. I think the book of Revelation has a tendency to make people a little apprehensive. I know it was true for me. I have been pleasantly surprised by all I am learning through the study as we focus on what we can learn about Jesus through the book of Revelation.

We recently finished our study of the seven churches discussed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. From previous reading and study of Revelation, I remembered some of the strong language of correction, such as fall from your first love, remove your lampstand, and spit out of my mouth. But this time in reading and studying these chapters, I was struck by the beautiful imagery of the rewards Jesus promises to the victorious. Jesus calls the churches to not fear suffering, to remain true to His name, and to hold on to what they have been given. To those who are victorious in these things, Jesus promises untold blessings in the eternal kingdom.

The imagery in these future blessings is an invitation to ponder its meaning. The victorious are told they will eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God. They will become pillars of the temple bearing the name of God, the name of the City of God, and Christ's new name. They will also be given authority, a victor's crown, hidden manna, a white stone with a name written on it that only they know, clean white clothes, and the morning star. They are promised that Jesus will not blot out their name but will instead acknowledge them, knock on their door, enter their homes and hearts, and eat with them. The victorious will also be invited to sit with Jesus on His throne. What abundance, grace, and unexpected blessing! As if heaven itself would not be enough!

Further reading shows that we will take the victor's crown and lay it at Jesus' feet. Rev 4:10b-11 declares: "They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Oh what a joy that will be! We are victorious because of Christ, we are rewarded because of Christ, and we give Christ our rewards. In fact, some of the rewards seem to point to Christ Himself being the reward. Others are personal, designed to build our relationship with Him and to help build His church and His kingdom.

Sometimes I get so weary of this world of death, sin, and struggle. It was an encouragement to me to read of the seven churches and be challenged to make changes in my own life, but also to be reminded of the rewards that await those who stand firm in Christ's strength and call, by His strength and Spirit within us. This world is not all there is. Better days are coming. Christ sees our struggles and longs to bless us now and in the days to come. "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I [Paul] consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. " (Romans 8:16-18).