‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ is a play by William Shakespeare, a comedy that reminds us that however many obstacles are faced in life, a happy ending pleases everyone. All too often in life, we are faced with the awkward truth that not everything does end well for us, but the Bible is adamant that the ending of the story of life is a happy one for those who trust Him. God is our Saviour and King; His plans cannot be thwarted, and so we are assured that we are on the winning team. We cannot guarantee the ‘happy ending’ on earth, but we are urged to live in the light of eternity, where the ending definitely is happy for those who love righteousness. (2 Cor 4:16-18)
Our Bible studies in the book of Revelation have shown us great suffering, persecution, plagues, judgments and death; one church member recently commented, ‘it’s all a bit heavy.’ I suspect many of us feel life is like that: rather too heavy at times! But even in the midst of bizarre symbolism of dragons and beasts and scarlet prostitutes, there is hope in the book of Revelation. We have found it in the worship of the Lamb and Lion of the tribe of Judah who has triumphed. (Rev 5:1-10) We have found it in the promise that God will lead His people to springs of living water and wipe away every tear. (Rev 7:17) We have found it in the assurance of triumph through the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony. (Rev 12:11) Once again, in Revelation 17, we find hope: ‘The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.’ (Rev 17:16-17)
God’s words will always be fulfilled. Therefore we have hope.
