Bible Poetry Reading Plan: Job 17-18
A Proper View of Heaven is Necessary for Endurance
Revelation 14:12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the
commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. (ESV)
Many Christians face tough times. All over the world Christians are persecuted, some are
imprisoned and others are martyred for their faith. As Western Christians, we often wonder how
they can endure so much pain. What motivates them to keep enduring when their lives are
full of suffering? In order to have this sort of endurance, these Christians keep their focus on
Jesus, Heaven and eternity and not on this life. A proper view of Heaven and Hell is necessary
for endurance in tough times and will be essential in the End Times. A robust expectation
of Heaven is essential for pulling Christians through hard times. Only when a believer truly
understands the prize at the end of the journey can he/she push through immense suffering with
an overcomer’s hopeful mindset. What motivated Abraham, Moses, Noah and Abel to sacrifice
comfort here on earth? What motivated them to endure suffering and do great things of faith?
They were looking past this lifetime to the next one. They were looking ahead to Heaven; they
weren’t looking for rewards or comfort in this life. This also applies to Hell, Jesus said, “do not
fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both body
and soul in hell.” (Matt 10:28, ESV). In other words, when the persecution gets really severe
and you’re really scared and you want to give up, just remember that Hell is way worse! The
key to enduring the horrible events of the end times is to remember how amazing Heaven will
be when the persecution is over and how much worse Hell will be if we give up.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What keeps persecuted Christians from giving in? What strengthens them to keep
enduring and persevering?
2. What sorts of things would you find it easier to give up if you were focused on eternity in
Heaven instead of the comforts of this world?
3. Spend some time praying for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted. Pray that
they would have a greater revelation of Jesus and eternity and pray that they wouldn’t give
up but continue enduring.
