Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

I love Marvel movies. I love the action, the thrill, and the way the story always comes down to good versus evil. There's always that moment when it looks like the bad guys are about to win, but then—just when all hope seems lost—the heroes rise up. The music shifts, victory swells through the speakers, and excitement fills the air. Come on, good guys!

That same feeling floods my heart when I read Revelation 14. The sound of harps and songs of praise fills the scene. Angels are flying and proclaiming glory. And then we read:

"Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and one like the Son of Man was seated on the cloud, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand." Revelation 14:14 (CSB)

Here He comes—the all-knowing, all-powerful, undisputed heavyweight Champion of the world. The Rescuer has arrived. (Cue the celebration dance!)

Make no mistake: our God is a Rescuer. From the very beginning, He put a plan in place to save us from ourselves and our sinful hearts. Out of perfect love, He gave us free will, knowing some would not choose wisely. And yet—He sent His only Son to die for all of us. Those who place their faith in Jesus can stand with confidence, knowing the Rescuer fights for us.

The Bible overflows with God's rescue stories:

• Adam and Eve were covered and rescued after they sinned.
• God used Noah to rescue His people from a world gone astray.
• He raised up Moses to lead His children out of slavery.
• Esther was placed as queen for a divine rescue mission.
• Jesus came to earth with rescue written into His very purpose.
• He met the Woman at the Well to rescue a whole community.
• He welcomed sinners because He came for those who needed saving.

But my favorite rescue story of all is this: Jesus rescued me. I was running toward destruction, living for myself. But then—I met the Rescuer. He changed everything.

Have you been rescued by Him? Scripture says, "If you believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead, and confess with your mouth, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) That invitation is for you. Today can be your rescue story.

And if you, like me, have already been rescued, then it's time to cue the music. Sing with the angels. Rejoice with heaven. Our King has saved us, and He is coming back. I can see Him now—on that white cloud, with a golden crown on His head.

Come, Lord Jesus. 🙌✨

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Be Generous 2025

On Be Generous Sunday, November 30th, through Tuesday, December 2nd, 100% of all financial gifts will go toward funding three special projects to ignite ministry and lead more people to know, love, and follow Jesus! For more information, visit venturechurch.org/begenerous.