A Revelation Invitation

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (Revelation 14:12 ESV)

     But we never can prove
     The delights of His love,
          Until all on the altar we lay;
     For the favor He shows,
     And the joy He bestows,
          Are for them who will trust and obey.

     Then in fellowship sweet
     We will sit at His feet,
          Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
     What He says we will do;
     Where He sends, we will go,
          Never fear, only trust and obey.

     Trust and obey,
          For there’s no other way
     To be happy in Jesus,
          But to trust and obey.

     (“Trust and Obey” verses 4 and 5 by John Henry Sammis, 1887)

“Trust and Obey” was my first favorite hymn. I couldn’t read yet. But as I stood for the invitation song with my song book open before me, I would sing its simple, straightforward message that even a three-year-old could grasp. Happy in Jesus? I like that. Walking by Jesus’ side? Sounds delightful. Favor and joy? Count me in. And it’s mine when I trust and obey.

Both the Revelation verse (a call for endurance) and the song (“Where he sends, we will go”) point the reader and singer toward the need and duty to persevere. There is an expectation of surrender that every follower of Jesus Christ accepts. That expectation often results in difficulties which can also be unjust. That’s where the faith and trust enter in. Though trials may come, they never negate the “the favor he shows and the joy he bestows.” The question that is implicitly raised throughout Revelation is “Is it worth it?” And we are assured of our reward each time the question is raised.

As I read Revelation 14:12 (above), I realize how well the song summarizes our walk with God. His love for and delight in us does not manifest until we surrender to him by faith through keeping his commandments. No matter the difficulties in life, we have sweet fellowship with the Lord through faith in him and the keeping of his commands. No matter the opposition, the Lord is with us as we carry out his commission to the world through faith in him and the keeping of his commandments. Ultimately, this verse is an admonition to persevere, to endure through the difficulties, the persecution and hardships that faith in Jesus often provokes. As the song makes clear, our endurance will be worth it.

Lord Jesus, there are times that I grow tired of persevering. The challenges of life can seem unrelenting. But in you there is always joy. Through faith in you there is always hope, not wishful thinking, but genuine, solid anticipation of life eternal. In you I trust. For you I will keep your commands. I know you will never abandon me. Whatever difficulties arise, you assure me that they are worth enduring. Amen.