Paul wrote in 1 Cor 10:12, "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" If there's one attitude that describes our generation, it's the independent spirit of man that claims the ability to stand against anything or anyone who comes against him for whatever reason. And perhaps no one said it better than William Ernest Henley in his poem Invictus.

"Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul
In the fell clutch of circumstances I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of change My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the year Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

In Revelation, John takes us through a systematic unfolding of future events according to Scripture. In that future, most of us living at this moment will either be living or in the grave experiencing one of two things: 1) God's plan for your soul in accordance with your relationship with Him, or 2) eternal bliss or nothingness that arises out of your belief in your ability to create it. In option two, you may be experiencing some state brought on by another supreme being you believe is equal to or greater than Jehovah God. (Tongue in cheek)

Are you the master of your fate, the captain of your soul? I agree with the idea that each one of must decide where and with whom we place our future, our hopes and our dreams. But as for the part that says I can navigate my soul, well that's a pompous attitude spoken by a narrow-minded egotistical fool. But, if you can prove to me that you were responsible for your own birth, I'll then accept your argument you are in charge of your destiny.

John wants us to know that no one is able to stand against God when He judges men. That thought alone invokes fear within me, but I'm not worried. The same Lamb of God who will show wrath toward some has promised me that as a child of God I'll get a pass on Judgment and be ushered into His presence with joyful thanksgiving.

In this Christmas season we'll likely to be reminded of the angels' message to the shepherds: "Fear not for the Lord has come." I wonder if just before the Judgment, angels will introduce the Lamb of God by saying to those who are standing there, "Fear a lot for the Lord has come?"

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Mi. 1:1-4:13 Rv. 6:1-17 Ps. 134:1-3 Pr. 30:1-4 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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