Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this

Revelation 4
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”

God tells things to his friends, and his friends include humans. There have been a few people, whom we know well, whom God has regarded as His friends such as Abraham, Moses, David, etc. However we also see that God seems to be silent for a majority of people. So to whom does God would say, "come up here" or "I will show you things".

There have been various commandments of God, but one which is simple and non-legalistic that God repeatedly tells His people is to obey His statutes and commandments and not turn away from them. Basically He wants our obedience and we all know what are the things God told us already. We just need to obey, and that will bring us close to Him, and He will reveal even more to us - like the parable the more we are faithful, the more He will trust us in.

A word to be careful in temptation is that it leads us directly to the opposite direction. Instead of being a little faithful and being led higher by God, temptation tempts us with little things. When we sin a little, the next temptation will be greater and leads us to the next level further away from God.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

At the first reading, this verse seems impossible to achieve, especially since we are still living on earth. Firstly, it is extremely difficult to be pure in heart. Secondly, we cannot see God the Father with our own eyes, lest His Glory will destroy us. On careful reading, the second part may not mean physical seeing. One commentator regard seeing God as sharing God's visions. It is for sure that God gives His people visions both before and after Christ's time.

So this verse can be taken to be only those pure in heart is able to see visions revealed by God. So how does one become pure in heart in an impure world? There are times which we do have a pure heart and other times that we don't. Perhaps then, the goal is to increase those times when we are pure in heart.

Very simply, pure in heart mean having pure thinking in our own deeds as well as our relationship with others. We should learn to cast out impure thoughts - and we should know which ones are impure. In terms of relationship with people, the first would be forgiveness towards others. Then even for those people we do not have unforgiveness for, we must learn to think purely of them - that is as God sees them.

So that I may finish my race with joy

Acts 20:24
so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

There is satisfaction in completing a task or mission we are assigned. How much more satisfaction if that task or mission is appointed by God. This is what Paul speaks about when he mentions completing the race. The mission is none other than doing what Yshua has appointed us to do. The details of the task may differ for each one of us, but the end goal is the Great Commission in bringing the gospel to the world. If we have experience satisfaction in completing our worldly assigned tasks, try pursuing God's task and see the rewards roll in.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself.

Paul was describing his reasons to go to Jerusalem, after being warned that it may be dangerous for him to do so. The Ephesians believers were greatly concerned for his welfare. So Paul revealed his motives and what is driving him. This has been consistent of what we know of Paul's ministry. He is not "moved" or influenced by external factors, including dangers to himself. He had one purpose which is to serve our Lord Yshua. His determination was such that he did not put his own safety as more important than his work for Yshua.

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep"

John 21:17
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep"

Jesus asked this of Peter after He asked him the "Do you love me?" questions. Not only was Jesus confirmed Peter's love for Him, He also showed us what the result of our love for Him must be. He does not say whether this is spiritual food, like the Word of God or physical food which implies provision for the poor. Hence we can assume that Jesus means both kinds of food to feed His sheep. This is the result of our being in Christ. It is not about attending ceremonies, traditions or activities. It is primarily concerned with the care of our fellow humans who are also God's children whether they accept it or not.

Lord, that I may receive my sight

Luke 18:41
“What do you want Me to do for you?”
He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”

This is an example of the extraordinary faith of the blind man. It is not uncommon for people to be in a hopeless situation today, then they decide to give God a try. We can think that this is the case of the blind man, but we would be wrong. The blind man was no doubt helpless, hopeless and in desperate need. However, if considering his actions, he actually strived very hard to get to Jesus. When Jesus came by, there was a huge crowd and everyone wanted to be close to Jesus. They had no concern for the blind man, and instead told him to be quiet. The blind man made an even greater effort to overcome this resistance to call to Jesus. When he had Jesus' attention, he asked what he wanted the most - and he got it.

Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?

John 21:17
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah,[d] do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”


The Lord Yshua asked Peter, one of His closest disciples if he loved Him. Peter was hurt that Yshua asked him three times. He may be confused, maybe a little angry that he was not trusted or that there is any doubt. However Yshua knew our human heart and the limited capacity for love. He may be prompting Peter to assess himself about how deep is his love for his Lord.

We no doubt ask ourselves the same question too. We may come to the conclusion that our love cannot be greater than Yshua's love for us that brought Him to the cross. We can only be thankful and dwell within His love for us, knowing that nothing can take it away.